The research behind LIPUS therapy.

Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) has been studied in clinical settings for several decades. The research below represents key published work supporting LIPUS as a non-invasive option for fracture healing.

The Melmak device uses LIPUS technology and has supported patients for over 20 years. If you are a healthcare professional and would like to discuss the clinical evidence in more detail, our team is here to help.

What the evidence shows

Fresh fracture healing
Studies using commercially available LIPUS devices show that, on average, fresh fractures may heal up to 38% faster than untreated fractures. This is dependent on the type and location of the fracture.

Non-union fractures
Clinical research suggests that LIPUS has supported healing in approximately 86% of non-union fractures studied.

Fracture volume in Canada
Over 400,000 fractures are treated in Canada every year. Approximately 40,000 of those cases, around 10%, result in delayed or non-union healing.

Published research

The following studies represent a selection of the published clinical evidence supporting LIPUS therapy for fracture healing.

Pilla et al. (1990)

Non-invasive low-intensity pulsed ultrasound accelerates bone healing in the rabbit. The Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, 4(3), 246-253.

Outcome: Ultrasound-treated bone was as strong in torsion as intact fibulae, with increased periosteal reaction.

Walsh et al. (2008)

Effect of Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on Healing of an Ulna Defect Filled with a Bone Graft Substitute. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials, 86B, 74-81.

Outcome: LIPUS resulted in more new bone growth at weeks 4 and 12 compared to control, and increased VEGF expression.

Walsh et al. (2007)

Effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on tendon-bone healing in an intra-articular sheep knee model. The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, 23(2), 197-204.

Outcome: LIPUS resulted in improved ability to withstand increased load at the tendon-bone junction.

Siska et al. (2008)

External adjuncts to enhance fracture healing: What is the role of ultrasound? Injury Journal, 39(10), 1095-1105.

Outcome: LIPUS was found to be a safe, practical, and effective treatment for fracture healing.

Busse et al. (2002)

The effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy on time to fracture healing: a meta-analysis. CMAJ, 166(4), 437-441.

Outcome: LIPUS may significantly reduce the time to fracture healing for fractures treated non-operatively.

Study outcomes overview

Study Outcome Measures Results
Pilla et al, 1990 Acceleration of fracture healing Ultrasound-treated bone as strong in torsion as intact fibulae, increased periosteal reaction
Walsh et al, 2008 Rate of healing of bone defect More new bone growth at weeks 4 and 12 compared to control, increased VEGF expression
Walsh et al, 2007 Rate of healing at tendon-bone junction Improved ability to withstand increased load at tendon-bone junction
Siska et al, 2008 Effect of LIPUS on rate of fracture healing Safe, practical, and effective treatment
Busse et al, 2002 Time to fracture healing LIPUS may significantly reduce time to fracture healing for non-operatively treated fractures

Questions about LIPUS therapy?

If you are a healthcare professional looking for more information, or a patient who wants to understand whether LIPUS is right for your situation, our team is here to help.