Low-frequency ultrasound therapy in chronic venous leg ulcers

Objective: Mechanical effects of low-frequency ultrasound are used for wound healing by enhancement of metabolism, perfusion and granulation. Aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effectiveness of low-frequency ultrasound for the treatment of venous leg ulcers. Methods: 13 inpatients (6 m, 7 f, aged 58 to 88 years) with venous ulcers of the leg were treated with low-frequency ultrasound (43 kHz) by subaqual application (0.6 W/cm(2), 8 min daily) over a period of two weeks. A wound score for the symptoms fibrinous coat, exsudation and granulation was assessed before and after treatment (maximum: 6 points). Local therapy such as compression bandage has been continued as usual. Results: Before therapy, 12 of 13 ulcers were covered with extremely fibrinous coats. 9 ulcers revealed a strong, 4 a fair exsudation. Wound score was reduced from 5.08 to 3.00 score points after the treatment period. Fair to excellent granulation was observed in all cases. Conclusions: Low-frequency ultrasound seems to be effective for venous leg ulcer debridement and granulation enhancement as well. Further investigations are necessary to confirm these effects by randomised controlled studies, including questions of ultrasound dosage.