EXOGEN ultrasound bone healing system for long bone fractures with non-union (non - union) or delayed healing

NICE have stated that '...the case for adopting the EXOGEN ultrasound bone healing system to treat long bone fractures with non-union (failure to heal after 9 months) is supported by the clinical evidence, which shows high rates of fracture healing..'

• there is some radiological evidence of improved healing when the EXOGEN ultrasound bone healing system is used for long bone fractures with delayed healing (no radiological evidence of healing after approximately 3 months). There are substantial uncertainties about the rate at which bone healing progresses without adjunctive treatment between 3 and 9 months after fracture, and about whether or not surgery would be necessary

What is EXOGEN?

• EXOGEN ultrasound bone healing system delivers low-intensity pulsed ultrasound waves with the aim of stimulating bone healing
  • thought that healing is promoted by stimulating the production of growth factors and proteins that increase the removal of old bone, increase the production of new bone and increase the rate at which fibrous matrix at a fracture site is converted to mineralised bone
  • long bone fractures are suitable for treatment if the fracture is stable and well aligned
  • EXOGEN is not indicated for use in fractures of the skull or vertebrae, or in children or adolescents because of their skeletal immaturity

Reference:

• 1) NICE (January 2013). EXOGEN ultrasound bone healing system for long bone fractures with non-union or delayed healing