Low-intensity ultrasound (Exogen (TM)) for the treatment of fractures
Banken R
Record ID 32004000158
English, French
Authors' objectives:
Low-intensity ultrasound (Exogen (TM)) is a home-based treatment for certain fractures and fracture complications. This report aims to assess the efficacy and safety of this approach to fracture healing.
Authors' recommendations:
From the standpoint of safety, based on AETMIS's assessment, the available studies do not report any adverse effects associated with the use of low-intensity ultrasound. As regards efficacy, the report examines the use of the device for three different indications: the acceleration of fracture healing, the prevention of fracture nonunion, and treatment. For these three indications, the efficacy evidence is weak.
As for the acceleration of fracture healing and the prevention of fracture nonunion, the level of evidence is insufficient to recommend the use of low-intensity ultrasound. However, in the case of nonunion of tibial fractures, the prognosis is so severe that it seems reasonable to consider th use of low-intensity ultrasound after failed surgical intervention.
AETMIS therefore considers that low-intensity ultrasound might be an exceptional treatment option for a very small number of patients. In submitting this report, AETMIS wishes to contribute to the advancement of an evidence-based medicine approach in orthopedics and to provide orthopedic surgeons and managers in Quebec's health-care system the necessary information on this technology.
Authors' methods:
Review
Details
Project Status:
Completed
URL for project:
http://www.aetmis.gouv.qc.ca/
Year Published:
2004
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
Canada
MeSH Terms
- Fracture Healing
- Fractures, Bone
- Ultrasonography
- Bone and Bones
Contact
Organisation Name:
Agence d'évaluation des technologies et des modes d'intervention en santé
Contact Address:
2021, avenue Union, Bureau 10.083,Montreal, Quebec H3A S29, Canada.Tel: +1 514 873 2563; Fax: +1 514 873 1369
Contact Name:
demande@inesss.qc.ca
Contact Email:
demande@inesss.qc.ca
Copyright:
Agence d'Evaluation des Technologies et des Modes d'Intervention en Sante (AETMIS)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.