High-energy extracorporeal shock waves in treatment of nonunion and delayed union:preliminary results / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the effects of the Ossatron high-energy shock waves on bone nonunion and delayed union.Methods Between October 2004 and October 2005,18 patients with nonunion and four patients with delayed union were treated with high-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy(Ossatron,HMT Co., Swiss).Facture lines were located with C-arm X-ray before treatment.Parameters of shock waves were decided according to fracture sites.Patients with unstable fixation received plaster or bracing for 6 to 8 weeks after treatment. After therapy,follow-up radiography was performed at 6 and 12 weeks and monthly afterwards until the fracture united. Results The mean follow-up was 6.7 months(range,3 to 12 months).There were no complications except local petechial hemorrhage and local swelling in 10 patients.Thirteen patients(59.1%)got bony union,including 12 patients(66.7% )with stable internal fixation,and the average healing time was 4.3 months(range,6 weeks to 6 months).Nine fractures(40.9%)still suffered nonunion.Conclusion High-energy shock waves are a good alternative therapy for nonunion and delayed union,with obvious advantages of being non-invasive and safe.