Pulsed Low-Intensity Ultrasound Enhances Healing Rate in the Osteoperforated Tibia in a Rabbit Model

Objectives: The effect of pulsed low-intensity ultrasound (PLIUS) on healing rate in osteoperforated rabbit tibia during the healing period was investigated. Methods: Using dental drills, 2-mm through holes were drilled at the midshaft of the right tibia in 36 mature New Zealand white rabbits. Animals were then randomly divided into normal, placebo control, and PLIUS treatment (20 minutes/day, five times/week) groups, and were euthanized at Weeks 2, 4, and 6 postoperatively (n = 4 for each group and time point). Normalized radiographic density of the medial, central, and lateral sides of the holes was measured immediately after surgery and then every 2 weeks up to 6 weeks. Animals were euthanized after specified time points, both right and left tibias were removed, and using a standard three-point bending tester, maximum force to break and stiffness of the bones were measured. Results: It was revealed that, in control and treatment groups, radiographic and mechanical measures increased as the time point increased. Outcome measures were found to be significantly greater in the PLIUS treatment group compared with that of the control group at 4- and 6-week time points. Conclusions: It is concluded that PLIUS can enhance healing rates in osteoperforations.