The Role of Ultrasound in the Treatment of Surgically Repaired Tendon Injuries of the Hand: A Literature Review

Abstract

Ultrasound has long been established as a treatment for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. This paper considers the role of ultrasound in the management of tendon injuries of the hand. The basic physics of the modality will be outlined and the thermal and non-thermal therapeutic effects considered. The evidence for the effectiveness of the modality in the inflammatory, proliferative and remodelling phases of healing is discussed. Research that has considered the direct effect of ultrasound on tendon healing is also examined. Attention is paid to special considerations for the use of the modality in hand therapy. In conclusion it would seem that there is a lack of quality research in the area of clinical ultrasound and there is a need for further research.