Effect of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on Bone Healing at Osteotomy Sites After Open Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on bone healing at osteotomy sites after open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). Twenty-six patients underwent OWHTO without bone grafting. Thirty cases treated with LIPUS (group L) after surgery were compared with 13 cases without LIPUS treatment (group C). We divided the osteotomy gap into the lateral hinge and 4 zones on anteroposterior radiography, and the progression of gap filling was evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months post-operatively in both groups. In group L, the lateral hinge formed a union at 3 months postoperatively in 11 knees (84.6%). At 6 months, gap filling in 10 knees (76.9%) reached to zone 2. In group C, while the lateral hinge formed a union at 3 months postoperatively in all cases. At 6 months, gap filling in 6 knees (46.1%) reached to zone 2. The progression of gap filling were 8.5%, 18.9%, and 32.9% (at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, respectively) in group L, while the progress levels at the same time points were 7.7%, 16.6%, and 24.4% in group C. There were significant differences at 6 months after surgery between the 2 groups. LIPUS accelerated bone healing at 6 months after OWHTO. It is important that the accuracy of LIPUS methods be further studied and improved.