Abstract:
Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy has been extensively studied by Hannemann et al. (see Chapter 23).20 With regard to pulsed low-intensity ultrasound therapy, Mayr et al. performed a single-blind randomized controlled trial with patients sustaining scaphoid fractures type B1 or B2 (Herbert classification). 29 patients (30 fractures) were divided into two groups; all patients were treated with a below-elbow cast with immobilization of the thumb until radiologic consolidation occurred. The intervention group additionally underwent a pulsed low-intensity ultrasound treatment of 20 min daily. The consolidation was assessed by a CT scan every 2 weeks. The time until consolidation was 43.2 ± 10.9 days in the intervention group, compared with 62 ± 19.2 days in the placebo group, a significant difference (P = .0055). Limitations of this study include the small groups, lacking sample size calculation, a single-blinded design, and more importantly the imprecision and unreliability of the primary outcome time until consolidation, despite the fact that evaluation by a CT-scan was performed every 2 weeks.21 No further publications considering both subjects have been found in the literature.
J. Commandeur, F. Beeres (2018). Chapter 13 – Conservative Treatment of Nondisplaced and Minimally Displaced Scaphoid Waist Fractures. Scaphoid Fractures: Evidence-Based Management 2018, Pages 107-113