There is limited evidence on treatment of clavicle fracture using low intensity pulsed ultrasound. One high-quality placebo-controlled trial (Lubbert 2008) was reviewed which investigated use of LIPUS in patients with acute midshaft clavicle fracture. It found that there was no difference in fracture healing, functional outcomes, or pain outcomes between the two groups.
Benefits/Harms of Implementation
There is no obvious benefit of low intensity pulsed ultrasound. However, it can cause unnecessary inconvenience to patients.
Outcome Importance
Clavicle fractures can be treated nonoperatively or surgically based on standard of care. Ultrasound usage is not necessary.
Cost Effectiveness/Resource Utilization
Low intensity pulsed ultrasound adds to significant financial burden to patient. Based on the evidence it doesn’t seem to be cost effective.
Acceptability
There is no issue with acceptability of the outcome.
Feasibility
There is no issue with feasibility of the outcome.
Future Research
Further research is required in this area, as only one high-quality study was identified through the literature review. It’s possible that medium intensity ultrasound may have different outcomes. High quality studies in different age groups could shed some light on the possibility that ultrasound may have different effects in young versus older patients.