Exploring the Impact of Shockwave Therapy on Bone Healing
Title of the study: Is it possible to change of the duration of consolidation period in the distraction osteogenesis with the repetition of extracorporeal shock waves?
Authors: Mehmet-Emin Onger, Cihan Bereket, Ismail Sener, Nilufer Ozkan, Eman Senel. and Ahmet-Veysel Polat
A recent study investigated the effects of repeated Extracorporeal Shock Waves (ESW) on bone healing processes in rabbit mandibles. This process, known as distraction osteogenesis (DO), involves gradually stretching the bone to promote new bone formation. Eighteen New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups during the bone consolidation phase after the initial stretching period.
The control group received no shockwave treatment. The second group was treated with two sessions of shockwave therapy (ESWT), each delivering 500 impulses at specific energy settings, on the first and fourth days of the consolidation phase. The third group received a more intensive regimen of 1000 impulses per session under the same conditions.
Results from the study showed that the group receiving 1000 impulses per session had significantly higher bone mineral density and new bone formation compared to the other groups. This suggests a more rapid consolidation and healing process. In contrast, the group treated with 500 impulses exhibited more extended consolidation periods, indicated by increased volumes of connective tissue and new vessel formation, compared to the control.
This study highlights that the intensity and repetition of shockwave therapy can influence the speed and quality of bone healing. Higher impulse treatments were particularly effective in enhancing bone density and accelerating the healing process. These findings suggest the benefits of tailored shockwave therapy protocols in clinical settings for improved bone regeneration and healing outcomes. This could have significant implications for treatments involving bone reconstruction and recovery.