Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in the treatment of traumatic hand fracture in an elite athlete.

Giannini, Silvana; Giombini, Arrigo; Moneta, Maria Rita; Massazza, Giuseppe; Pigozzi, Fabio · Am J Phys Med Rehabil · 2004

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

We report a case of complex traumatic hand fracture successfully treated with low-intensity ultrasound in an elite soccer goalkeeper. A single 20-min daily application of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (frequency, 1.5 Mhz; intensity, 30 mW/cm2) provided by Exogen's Sonic Accelerated Fracture Healing System was administered for 24 days on end. Plain radiographs, ultrasonography, and computed tomographic scans were performed to diagnose and to follow-up the evolution of the fracture during the treatment. After 24 days, the athlete was allowed to recommence his specific sport activity with a modified soccer glove and functional taping. After 2 months, radiographs demonstrated the complete healing, with no displacement, of the fracture sites.

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