Is ultrasonic mist therapy effective for debriding chronic wounds?

BACKGROUND

Ultrasonic mist debridement uses acoustic energy to remove devitalized tissue from the wound bed and to promote wound healing.

OBJECTIVES

We systematically reviewed the literature to determine whether ultrasonic mist therapy effectively removes necrotic debris from the bed of chronic wounds and promotes wound healing.

SEARCH STRATEGY

A systematic review of electronic databases MEDLINE and CINAHL (from January 1996 to February 2008) was undertaken using the key words: (1) therapeutic ultrasound, (2) ultrasonic, and (3) ultrasonic mist. Prospective studies that compared ultrasonic mist therapy to a sham device, to another debridement technique, or to alternative treatments for wound healing were included.

RESULTS

There is insufficient evidence to determine whether ultrasonic mist therapy effectively debrides necrotic tissue in chronic wound beds. Limited evidence suggests that noncontact, low-hertz frequency ultrasonic mist therapy promotes wound healing when used in conjunction with standard wound therapy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Ultrasound treatment has been used on wounds associated with neuropathy, limb ischemia, venous insufficiency, trauma, as well as poorly healing surgical wounds. Few adverse effects have been noted. Pain, when reported, has been successfully addressed with topical analgesia.