Low-intensity Pulsed Ultrasound for the Treatment of Fractures

This information brief is a literature review of the efficacy, safety and cost of using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound to treat stress and trauma fractures, whether fresh or exhibiting delayed union or even non-union. This brief also looks at the current indications and coverage policies in other countries. It therefore constitutes an update of the technology brief published in 2004 by the Agence d’évaluation des technologies et des modes d’intervention en santé (AETMIS) and is in response to a request from the ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS).

Although the use of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound may have a therapeutic effect on certain types of fractures, uncertainty persists over its relative efficacy and its cost-effectiveness. Evidence on clinical effectiveness is not available and no study has adequately addressed impact on quality of life. Consequently, INESSS concludes that the evidence is insufficient to justify including this technology among the services offered by the public health insurance plan. Since research is ongoing, with, incidentally, some of the randomized clinical trials being carried out in Canada, INESSS will be monitoring their results.