Non-union is an unfortunate outcome of the fracture healing process for some patients; with an estimated annual incidence of 17.4- 18.9 per 100,00. The management of these patients depicts a significant clinical challenge for surgeons and financial burden to health services. External ultrasound stimulation devices (ExogenTM) have been highlighted as a novel non invasive therapy to achieve union in cases of delayed and non-union. The aim of the current study was to assess the rate of union in patients using ExogenTM therapy for delayed fracture union in a district general hospital. This is a single centre retrospective continuous cohort study. Patients were identified from a prospective database of all patients prescribed ExogenTM therapy between June 2013- September 2021 in a district general hospital. Patient data was collected retrospectively using electronic patient records. Fracture union was assessed both clinically and radiographically and recorded in patient records. Failure of treatment was defined as progression to operative treatment due to lack of progression with ultrasound therapy or established asymptomatic non-union. Patient were excluded from the study if ExogenTM therapy was prescribed within 6 weeks of injury.Introduction
Materials & Methods
