Instructional review of key factors to achieve successful outcomes when using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in fracture repair.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) treatment of fractures has been available to the orthopaedic community for nearly three decades; however, it is still considered an experimental treatment by some clinicians, even though there is a wealth of clinical data. Based on the evaluation of clinical trial data, we have established key criteria which can lead to LIPUS success and avoid failure. These are fracture gap size and stability, accurate transducer placement and minimum treatment number.