Effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on bone healing at osteotomy sites after forearm bone shortening

27 patients requiring forearm osteotomy (ulnar shortening or radial shortening osteotomy) were randomized to determine the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on bone healing following surgery. Patients were allocated to groups of either postoperative LIPUS therapy or no LIPUS therapy, and were followed-up for up to 24 weeks. Main outcome was radiographic determined bone healing, along with clinical outcome using the Modified Mayo Wrist Score. Results at final follow-up found that significantly faster cortical and endosteal healing occurred in the group who underwent LIPUS therapy, and that both groups experienced a similar improvement in clinical outcome.