The Effect of Low Magnitude High Frequency Vibration on Bone Healing by Clamp Method in Nonunion Tibial Fractures

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the clinical effect of Low Magnitude High Frequency Vibration (LMHFV) on nonunion tibial fractures, noninvasively.
 Methods: The Experimental (n=5) and control (n=5) groups were age-matched and pooled based on the Nonunion Tibia Score System (NUSS) (p>0.05). LMHFV (0.35g, 50 Hz, 20 minutes x 4/day) was applied to the experimental group for three months by a mechanical stimulator that we developed using a ‘clamp method’. The control group was followed during three months without any application other than routine treatment. The results were evaluated using the Radiographic Union Score for Tibial Fractures (RUST) and American Orthopedics Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS). No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups at the beginning and in the end of the 3- month application for RUST and AOFAS scores (p>0.05).
 Results: Pain and function assessment, at the beginning and end of the study, as a part of The AOFAS scorewere not statistically different (p>0.05) in the control group. However, increases in pain and function AOFAS scores were statistically significant in the experimental group at the end of the 3- month application (p