Veterinary Study Finds LIPUS Boosts Bone Healing in Injured Racehorses
Proximal sesamoid bone fractures (PSBFs) are among the most common injuries in racehorses, and their incidence continues to rise, posing significant challenges to equine athletes and trainers. Recent research has investigated the potential of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) as a therapeutic intervention to accelerate bone healing and reduce inflammation in affected horses.
In this study, horses diagnosed with PSBFs were divided into two groups: one receiving daily LIPUS therapy and a control group receiving standard care. Over four weeks, the LIPUS-treated horses demonstrated significant improvements in bone healing compared to controls. Laboratory analyses revealed elevated serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, phosphorus, and the calcium-phosphorus product—markers associated with bone formation and mineralization.
Inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, initially increased following the fracture but gradually normalized with ongoing LIPUS treatment. Imaging studies corroborated these findings, showing enhanced callus formation and improved microcirculation in the fracture site. Collectively, these results suggest that LIPUS not only promotes structural bone repair but also mitigates post-fracture inflammation, leading to faster and more effective recovery.
The study concludes that LIPUS represents a promising non-invasive approach to managing PSBFs in racehorses, offering a potential pathway to improve recovery outcomes and support athletic performance.
Find the full article here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40877380/