The use of therapeutic ultrasound in venous leg ulcers: a randomized, controlled clinical trial

Abstract

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.