Effect of Low-intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on Healing of Bone Defects in Rat Tibia as Measured by Reconstructed Three-dimensional Analysis of Micro CT Images

Abstract

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on bone metabolism during the healing period in rat tibiae bone defects using micro-computed tomography (micro CT) imaging for three-dimensional morphological evaluation.

Materials and methods: The right tibia received ultrasound exposure (US group) every day, whereas the opposite side served as a control (Control group). At 1, 2, and 3 weeks after the operation, micro CT was performed, and the volume and surface area of new bone formation in the bone defects was evaluated three-dimensionally.

Results: Bone volume (BV) and bone surface (BS) in the tibiae of both the US and Control groups demonstrated the highest values 1 week after the operation, with no significant differences between the groups. At 2 weeks after the operation, the BV and BS values in both groups had decreased, but the decrease was smaller in the US group than the Control group. At 3 weeks after the operation, the BV and BS values in the Control group were significantly lower than those in the US group.

Conclusion: LIPUS stimulation can prevent bone loss during the healing of bone defects.

Keywords: 3D analysis; LIPUS; bone defect; micro CT; rat tibia.