Highlights
- •A high proportion of LIPUS users lack full awareness of how the technology works
- •Clinicians perceive LIPUS as a cost effective tool for the treatment of non-union
- •There is no standardized way of using the LIPUS technology
Abstract
Introduction
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a non-invasive treatment modality for delayed
union or non-union of acute fractures. We aimed to assess the current use of LIPUS
at a national level in the United Kingdom, why and how clinicians use it, what treatment
protocols are followed, and what the current perceptions are on this technology.
Methodology
Using a detailed online survey compromised of 20 questions delivered to known LIPUS
users, we were able to collect qualitative data on indication of use, type of machine
used, personal views on the technology, frequency of usage, and treatment protocols.
Each question was peer-reviewed to exclude bias.
Results
A total of 70 respondents completed the survey. LIPUS was used by most clinicians
for cases of non-union (N = 55, 78.5%) and delayed union (N = 51, 72.8%). The majority
of respondents personally used a LIPUS device between 1 and 5 times in 12 months (N = 38,
54.3%). Most considered LIPUS a failure after three to six months of treatment without
clinical improvement (N = 39, 55.7%). A total of 32 respondents (45.7%) mentioned
the need for funding approval before accessing LIPUS technology. Poor revision surgery
candidates (N = 48, 68.6%) and atrophic non-union (N = 46, 65.7%) were the most frequently
cited reasons for using LIPUS technology as treatment. Most participants (N = 48,
68.6%) considered LIPUS to be cost-effective. Despite most clinicians being comfortable
with the use of LIPUS, some respondents did not understand the basic science underpinning
the technology nor could explain the need for LIPUS to patients comfortably.
Conclusion
LIPUS technology may have a significant role to play in the treatment of orthopaedic
fracture related pathology. Regular users perceived the technology to be cost-effective
and efficacious. Further research should standardize treatment protocols and aim to
establish a national LIPUS registry
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 23, 2022
Accepted:
June 22,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
