Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound and Articular Cartilage Repair

Abstract

Low intensity pulsed ultrasound [LIPUS], a physical modality that has demonstrated utility in bone healing contexts including non union fracture situations has been proposed to also impact articular cartilage chondrocyte cell metabolism in a favorable way. This current review focuses on two questions: a) whether LIPUS produces any clinically significant impact on chondrocyte structure or function; b) whether the impacts observed support a role for LIPUS in efforts to foster cartilage regeneration and healing applications. Drawn from the English language literature published over the last 35 years, the majority of the available basic or preclinical studies presently reviewed demonstrate LIPUS applications to consistently yield favorable cartilage chondrogenic responses, regardless of substrate, and to be worthy of further exploration in the clinical realm for promoting much sought after osteoarthritic reparative and repair effects.