Low-intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Enhances Bone Repair in a Rabbit Model of Steroid-associated Osteonecrosis

摘要

Steroids are a leading cause of femoral head osteonecrosis. Currently there are no medications available to prevent and/or treat steroid-associated osteonecrosis. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) was approved by the FDA for treating delayed union of bone fractures. Some studies have reported that LIPUS can enhance bone formation and local blood flow in an animal model of fracture healing. However, whether the effect of osteogenesis and neovascularization by LIPUS can enhance the repair progress in steroid-associated osteonecrosis is unknown.