[Wound bed preparation of chronic wounds with ultrasound]

The use of different low dose ultrasound systems is an innovative and effective alternative strategy of treatment in wound bed preparation of different chronic wounds. The handling of the ultrasonic systems is easy to learn, their use is safe and little additional equipment is required. Induction of the so called cavitation phenomenon seems to be a major effect which permits selective debridement and reduction of microorganism colonisation. While the suggestion is that granulation tissue is promoted and wound healing accelerated, there are few well documented evidence-based data. Additional randomized controlled trials are needed before the therapeutic efficacy of ultrasound in this clinical setting can be evaluated.