The use of therapeutic ultrasound in venous leg ulcers: a randomized, controlled clinical trial

• Published in: Phlebology Vol. 23; no. 4; p. 178
• Main Authors: Taradaj, J, Franek, A, Brzezinska-Wcislo, L, Cierpka, L, Dolibog, P, Chmielewska, D, Blaszczak, E, Kusz, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.08.2008
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cardiovascular Agents - therapeutic use; Combined Modality Therapy; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Selection; Poland; Stockings, Compression; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonic Therapy; Varicose Ulcer - physiopathology; Varicose Ulcer - surgery; Varicose Ulcer - therapy; Vascular Surgical Procedures; Wound Healing; Poland
• ISSN: 0268-3555
• DOI: 10.1258/phleb.2008.008015

To estimate the usefulness of therapeutic ultrasound for healing of venous leg ulcers. Eighty-one patients were included in this study. Patients in groups 1 and 2 were treated surgically. Patients in groups 3 and 4 were treated conservatively. Patients in groups 1 and 3 were additionally treated with the ultrasound (1 MHz, 0.5 W/cm(2)) once daily, six times a week for seven weeks. Comparison of the number of complete healed wounds indicated statistically significant differences between groups 1 and 4 (P = 0.03), 2 and 4 (P = 0.03), 3 and 4 (P = 0.03) in favour of groups 1, 2 and 3. Comparison of the other parameters also demonstrated more efficient therapy effects in groups 1, 2 and 3 than in group 4. There were no statistical differences in all examined parameters between groups 1, 2 and 3 (P > 0.05). The ultrasound is an efficient and useful method only in conservatively treated venous leg ulcers. There are no special reasons for application of the ultrasound in surgically treated patients. A well-conducted surgical operation is much more effective for a healing process than conservative pharmacological procedures.