Bone regeneration by low-level laser therapy and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy in the rabbit calvarium

Abstract

Objective: We evaluated the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), alone and in combination, in triggering new bone formation.

Study design: Sixteen New Zealand white rabbits were given two calvarial defects by using a 6-mm trephine bur, then divided into four treatment groups: control, LLLT, LIPUS, and LLLT+LIPUS. The LLLT and LIPUS groups were treated three times a week for two weeks. The LLLT+LIPUS group received each treatment on the same day, 12h apart, three days a week for two weeks. The animals were sacrificed after three weeks.

Results: LLLT and LIPUS, alone and in combination, enhanced new bone formation in comparison to the untreated controls after three weeks (P<0.05); the combined therapy did not produce an additive effect.

Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the efficacy of LLLT or LIPUS in triggering bone regeneration. Therapeutic dose and duration requires further study.

Keywords: Bone regeneration; Calvarial defect; Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound; Low-level laser therapy; Rabbit.