Experimental assessment of calvarial bone defect re-ossification stimulation using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound.

Ultrasound treatment has been proposed by several authors to enhance the repair of long bone injury. The present study investigated in a murine model the treatment by low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) of calvarial flat bone defect. The animals were operated to create bone defect and exposed to ultrasound for 5 min per day, 5 d per week, during two weeks. Two intensities of ultrasound (1 MHz, 100 Hz pulse repetition frequency and 20% duty cycle) were investigated: 100 and 300 mW/cm(2) spatial-averaged, time-averaged. Re-ossification surface and volume were determined after 30 and 60 days using computerized X-ray tomography in all animals of the control and treated groups. The results showed a significant increase of bone re-ossification in the group treated with the higher-intensity ultrasound (mean value of 18% volume reconstruction), whereas lower bone reconstruction was observed in the lower-intensity and control groups (respective mean values of 10 and 12% volume reconstruction).

Piezoelectric osteotomy: a new technique for bone surgery-advantages in craniofacial surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasonic bone cutting is a new surgical technique used in dentistry to section hard tissues without damaging adjacent soft tissues. We hypothesized that such a device could also be useful in craniofacial surgery, particularly during the removal of the superior orbital roof during craniofaciostenosis surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ultrasonic device was employed in different craniofacial surgical procedures: 1. to remove the superior orbital roof in 30 cases of craniofaciostenosis, 2. to perform a Le Fort III osteotomy for the treatment of Crouzon syndrome in two patients, 3. to cut the parietal and frontal bone in 30 cases of craniofaciostenosis. The integrity of soft tissues and surgical time was evaluated. RESULTS: Functional results were good without any soft tissue damage appreciated. The overall operative time, however, was increased. CONCLUSIONS: Piezosurgery is a new technical procedure, which can be advantageous for bone cutting in multiple situations with minimal to no damage in adjacent soft tissues.