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The use of therapeutic ultrasound in venous leg ulcers: a randomized, controlled clinical trial
Taradaj J, Franek A, Brzezinska-Wcislo L, Cierpka L, Dolibog P, Chmielewska D
Phlebology 2008 Aug;23(4):178-183
clinical trial
4/10 [Eligibility criteria: No; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: No; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the usefulness of therapeutic ultrasound for healing of venous leg ulcers. METHODS: 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/cm2) once daily, six times a week for seven weeks. RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSIONS: 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.

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