Failure of therapeutic ultrasound in healing burn injuries

Experimental observations suggest that therapeutic ultrasound stimulates wound healing. Despite the controversy concerning its efficiency, this procedure is commonly implemented. To study the effect of this treatment in bums, we conducted a randomized control trial in 20 Fischer rats. Two groups of 10 animals each were studied. In group 1 the experimental burn was treated with pulsed ultrasound (SATA 0.25 W/cm(2)), in group 2 with continuous ultrasound (0.3 W/cm(2)). No stimulating effect of ultrasound could be demonstrated in these two groups, monitored by histological examination and a size index. These results discourage the clinical adminstration of therapeutic ultrasound to enhance the healing of burns. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd for ISBI.