Evaluation of the combined use of ultrasound irradiation and wound dressing on pressure ulcers

Objective: To evaluate the effect of ultrasound irradiation when used alongside standard care in the treatment of pressure ulcers; outcome measures were reduction in wound size and exudate weight. Method: Five patients (two male and three female, age range: 76–92 years) with seven ulcers participated in this study. They had National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) stage III or IV pressure ulcers. We conducted an ABABA study (A: standard treatment with dressings that promote a moist wound healing environment; B: ultrasound irradiation administered to the pressure ulcer through the same dressing used in period A; each period lasted 2–4 weeks). Six ulcers each were randomised to either the treatment group or control group. One ulcer was not randomised, but was the first to receive ultrasound in the BABA sequence, with a view to determining if the pilot was feasible. The control group received sham ultrasound in period B. Pulsed ultrasound (20% duty cycle, 0.5W/cm2 on the wound surface, 1MHz or 3MHz, fo...