Author: Kösters AK1, Ganse B1, Gueorguiev B2, Klos K3, Modabber A4, Nebelung S5, Kim BS6, Knobe M7
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, University of Aachen Medical Center, 30 Pauwelsstreet, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
<sup>2</sup>AO Research Institute Davos, Davos, Switzerland.
<sup>3</sup>Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Catholic Hospital Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
<sup>4</sup>Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Aachen Medical Center, Aachen, Germany.
<sup>5</sup>Department of Radiology, University of Aachen Medical Center, Aachen, Germany.
<sup>6</sup>Department of Plastic Surgery, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, University of Aachen Medical Center, Aachen, Germany.
<sup>7</sup>Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, University of Aachen Medical Center, 30 Pauwelsstreet, 52074, Aachen, Germany. mknobe@ukaachen.de.
Conference/Journal: Int Orthop.
Date published: 2017 Jul 22
Other:
Special Notes: doi: 10.1007/s00264-017-3574-3. [Epub ahead of print] , Word Count: 193
PURPOSE: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has been shown to accelerate bone healing and is considered to increase blood flow. The aim of this study was to assess changes in micro-circulation of the foots' soft tissue in response to LIPUS intervention. We hypothesised improved micro-circulation in response to LIPUS.
METHODS: Micro-circulation was assessed in 2 mm and 8 mm-deep skin of 50 healthy volunteers using non-invasive laser-doppler spectrophotometry (O2C-device). Measurements were performed before LIPUS-intervention (pre), directly after intervention (post) and 20, 40 and 60 minutes after LIPUS.
RESULTS: All parameter of micro-circulation increased directly after LIPUS intervention at 8 mm depth. Participants with a low pre-intervention flow showed the largest changes (p < 0.001) with an increased post-flow of 38%. SO2 levels increased significantly after intervention (p = 0.045) and decreased after 60 minutes in comparison to pre-intervention status. rHb levels after 60 min were significantly higher in comparison to pre-intervention levels.
CONCLUSION: In healthy volunteers, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound led to significant short-term changes in microcirculation of the foot. Younger subjects with a low pre-flow level and smokers showed a higher potential to increase blood flow after LIPUS.
KEYWORDS: Blood flow; Hindfoot; Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound; Micro-circulation; O2C; Soft tissue
PMID: 28735428 DOI: 10.1007/s00264-017-3574-3