# Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound for Delayed Union of Distal Radius Fracture After Palmar Locking Plate Fixation: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A 68-year-old woman with a wrist fracture that did not heal after surgery showed complete bone union after using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound.

## Contribution

This case report explores the use of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound for treating delayed union of distal radius fractures after palmar locking plate fixation.

## Key findings

- Bone union was not achieved three months after surgery but was confirmed five months after initiating low-intensity pulsed ultrasound.
- Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound may be an effective treatment for delayed union of distal radius fractures following palmar locking plate fixation.

## Abstract

Delayed union and non-union of distal radial fractures (DRFs) are rare, and there are a few reports of delayed union and nonunion of DRFs after palmar locking plate (PLP) fixation. A 68-year-old female patient presented to our hospital with left-sided wrist pain. Radiographs and computed tomography revealed a displaced DRF and ulnar styloid fracture. We performed open reduction and internal fixation with a PLP for the DRF and tension band wiring for the ulnar styloid fracture. However, bone union was not completed three months after the operation. We initiated low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) to achieve fracture healing. Complete bone union was confirmed radiographically five months after LIPUS. There have been few case reports on the delayed union or nonunion of DRFs after PLP fixation treated with LIPUS. LIPUS might be an effective option for the delayed union of DRFs after PLP fixation.