Ultrasonic effect on fracture repair and prostaglandin E2 production

Ultrasound has been recently recognized of its potential in promoting fracture healing. However, its effects on bone healing remain unclarified. The present study was initiated to compare the effects of frequency on fracture healing and the possible role of endogenous prostaglandin E2 in fracture healing stimulated by ultrasound. Histologic evaluation of callus formation with labelled fluorochromes indicated that the use of ultrasound at 1.5 MHz was most effective in accelerating bone healing. In addition, at this frequency, the endogenous PGE2 level was significantly elevated, which paralleled the accelerated bone healing. It is suggested that bone healing stimulated by ultrasound may be mediated via the production of PGE2.