II–2 Improving Patient Compliance with Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) Treatment

Abstract

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has a positive effect on fracture healing, but effectiveness can vary depending upon fracture location and type. There is growing consensus that LIPUS can enhance fracture healing by promoting cell differentiation. Nevertheless, LIPUS treatment may not reach optimal efficacy if patients do not comply with the treatment regimen, because it is patients who administer treatment. We postulated that improved patient compliance would lead to better clinical results. Therefore, we prepared a leaflet emphasizing the importance of administering LIPUS appropriately and distributed it among patients who required such treatment. We then assessed 12 patients who had been given the explanatory leaflet, recording the number of days they performed LIPUS treatment during the recommended period. On average, patients given a leaflet performed LIPUS treatment with a compliance rate of 96.2%. Compliance may be improved using an explanatory leaflet in addition to oral explanation of the need for treatment adherence.