[Bone fracture and the healing mechanisms. Fracture treatment by low-intensity pulsed ultrasound].

The principles of fracture treatment are the reduction and fixation of the fracture site, while the subsequent biological healing process is expected. Currently, some treatment options that actively stimulate the repair reaction at the fracture site are either available, or they are soon going to become available for clinical use. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) or local growth factors are examples of these modalities. They are non-invasive or less invasive than the previous stimulating options such as bone grafting at the fracture site. These treatment modalities are not only used to heal delayed union or non-union but they also have the potential to shorten the repair period until union is achieved while also reducing complications, including deformity or non-union.