Hi Stephen,
I did a literature search on this topic last year and while there were
several papers which referred to the effects of ultrasound on wound
healing, I could only find one study that attempted to answer this question
(Bly et al, 1996). These guys looked at the effect of ultrasound on
fibroblast orientation on cell cultures in petri dishes and found that
ultrasound did have an effect in that the cells exposed to ultrasound moved
linearly. The authors concluded that this may have a positive effect on
wound healing.
There have, however, been a several studies which have evaluated the effect
of low level laser on ulceration and found the effect to be positive.
However, a meta analysis which was published in Physical Therapy
(Beckerman et al, 1992)indicated that while low level laser therapy had
positive effects on musculoskeletal injury, the effect on wound healing had
not yet been supported. This paper is well worth a look as it is a damn
fine read and a good summary of the results of the several studies which
have been undertaken using laser.
This area of electrophyiscal therapies always makes me smile when we look
at how hard podiatrists are on themselves about the whole evidence base
practice approach to orthoses. All you have to do is just have a look at
what the physios get away with in the lack of evidence of electrophyiscal
therapies and you realise that the criticism of having evidence to back up
what we do is there with all of the emerging health professions.
Regards
amk
References
Bly N, Hill-Toulouse L, Sitton P, Hall J and Stern R (1996). "Effects of
ultrasound on the orientation of fibroblasts: an invitro study". European
Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 6(6): 180-184.
Beckerman H, de Bie RA, Bouter LM, Cuyper HJ and Oostendorp RAB (1992).
"The efficacy of laser therapy for musculoskeletal and skin disorders: a
criteria-based meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials". Physical
Therapy, 7(72):483-491.
-----Original Message-----
From: STEVEN RANKIN [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, November 08, 1999 3:55 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Use of ultrasound on ulceration
Is any one aware of any research or articles which have been written on the
use of ultrasound to aid in the healing of ulceration, especially in
Diabetics. I have recently been promoted to Research, Audit & Development
facilitator in my Podiatry Dept. and have found little evidence in my
research into this subject. If anyone knows of anything it would be greatly
appreciated.
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