FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Sci Rep / Clinical study on the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultraso...
Scientific reports2025; 15(1); 31697; doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-17424-0

Clinical study on the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on healing of proximal sesamoid bone fractures in Yili horses.

Abstract: The incidence of sports injuries in horses is increasing, thus accurate assessment, diagnosis, and treatment are critical. Among common sports-related injuries, proximal sesamoid bone fractures (PSBFs) are one of the most frequent types. To investigate the effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on imaging and hematological parameters of PSBFs, providing a clinical reference for the diagnosis and treatment of PSBFs in racehorses. After clinical diagnosis and radiographic examination confirmed the disease and its location, the affected horses were randomly divided into two groups: the ultrasound group received daily LIPUS treatment, while the control group received no intervention. After a four-week treatment, lameness grading, imaging, and hematological parameters were reassessed to evaluate PSBF healing and changes in blood indicators. Both imaging and hematological examinations play important clinical roles in the early diagnosis and later-stage evaluation of diseases. In this study, following LIPUS treatment, the affected horses showed significantly increased ALP activity in the serum, and higher levels of serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and the calcium-phosphorus product (Ca × P) (P < 0.05). Additionally, analysis of inflammatory cytokines revealed that the expression of pro-inflammatory markers, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, were markedly elevated during the early stages of fracture but gradually returned to normal as treatment progressed. These findings suggest that LIPUS can accelerate healing by alleviating inflammation at the fracture site. This study found that LIPUS treatment of PSBFs significantly improved microcirculation at the fracture site and promoted efficient healing through enhanced callus formation and accelerated bone repair. This favorable outcome of LIPUS therapy provides a valuable clinical reference for future diagnosis and treatment of PSBFs.
© 2025. The Author(s).
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2025-08-28 PubMed ID: 40877380PubMed Central: PMC12394538DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-17424-0Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This study evaluated the impact of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on healing proximal sesamoid bone fractures (PSBFs) in Yili horses by analyzing imaging, blood markers, and inflammation indicators.
  • The research demonstrated that LIPUS promotes faster recovery by improving bone repair, reducing inflammation, and enhancing microcirculation at the fracture site.

Background and Purpose

  • Sports injuries, particularly proximal sesamoid bone fractures (PSBFs), are common in racehorses and present diagnostic and treatment challenges.
  • Early diagnosis and effective treatment strategies are critical to improve outcomes and horse performance.
  • The study aimed to investigate how low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), a non-invasive physical therapy, affects healing in horses with PSBFs.
  • Specifically, researchers examined changes in imaging results and hematological (blood) parameters to assess healing progression and physiological effects of LIPUS.

Study Design and Methods

  • Involved Yili horses diagnosed with PSBF via clinical assessment and radiographic imaging.
  • Horses were randomly divided into two groups:
    • Ultrasound Group: Received daily LIPUS treatment on the fracture site.
    • Control Group: Received no ultrasound intervention.
  • After a four-week treatment period, researchers reassessed:
    • Lameness grading/scoring to evaluate functional recovery.
    • Imaging studies to visualize bone healing progress and callus formation.
    • Hematological tests measuring key biochemical markers and inflammatory cytokines.

Key Findings

  • Biochemical Changes:
    • Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity significantly increased in treated horses, indicating enhanced bone formation.
    • Levels of serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and the calcium-phosphorus product (Ca × P) rose significantly post-LIPUS treatment, reflecting active bone metabolism.
  • Inflammation Markers:
    • Pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were elevated during early fracture phases, showing inflammation at the injury site.
    • These cytokines declined toward normal levels over the treatment course, suggesting LIPUS helped resolve inflammation efficiently.
  • Imaging and Clinical Outcome:
    • Imaging showed improved callus formation and bone remodeling in the LIPUS group compared to controls.
    • Lameness scores improved, indicating better functional recovery with LIPUS intervention.
  • LIPUS was associated with improved microcirculation at the fracture site, which likely facilitated nutrient delivery and waste removal essential for healing.

Clinical Implications

  • The study supports using LIPUS as a beneficial adjunct therapy for PSBFs in racehorses, contributing to faster and more efficient healing.
  • Non-invasive LIPUS can reduce inflammation early post-injury, enhancing the healing environment.
  • Improved hematological markers provide measurable indicators for monitoring treatment progress in clinical settings.
  • This approach potentially minimizes downtime and improves prognosis for athletic horses sustaining such fractures.
  • The findings offer valuable clinical references to veterinary practitioners managing similar cases of equine bone injury.

Summary

  • This clinical study demonstrated that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound accelerates healing of proximal sesamoid bone fractures by enhancing bone metabolism, reducing inflammation, and improving microcirculation at the injury site in Yili horses.
  • LIPUS presents a promising, non-invasive treatment method that improves outcomes in fracture management for racehorses, supporting its broader adoption in veterinary sports medicine.

Cite This Article

APA
Zhang Z, Li J, Mai Z, Yang Y, Fu H, Cao X, Li T, Guo Q, Ma Y. (2025). Clinical study on the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on healing of proximal sesamoid bone fractures in Yili horses. Sci Rep, 15(1), 31697. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-17424-0

Publication

Scientific reports
ISSN: 2045-2322
NlmUniqueID: 101563288
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 1
Pages: 31697
PII: 31697

Researcher Affiliations

Zhang, Zhiyuan
  • College of Animal Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, 830052, Xinjiang, China.
Li, Jianlong
  • College of Animal Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, 830052, Xinjiang, China.
Mai, Zhanhai
  • College of Animal Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, 830052, Xinjiang, China.
Yang, Yang
  • College of Animal Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, 830052, Xinjiang, China.
Fu, Han
  • College of Animal Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, 830052, Xinjiang, China.
Cao, Xiongjian
  • College of Animal Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, 830052, Xinjiang, China.
Li, Tianqing
  • College of Animal Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, 830052, Xinjiang, China.
Guo, Qingyong
  • College of Animal Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, 830052, Xinjiang, China. dygqy@edu.xjau.cn.
Ma, Yuhui
  • XingJiang Zhaosu County Xiyu Horse Industry Co., Ltd, Yili, 835600, Xinjiang, China. mayuhuim@126.com.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Sesamoid Bones / injuries
  • Sesamoid Bones / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Bone / therapy
  • Fractures, Bone / veterinary
  • Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Fracture Healing
  • Ultrasonic Therapy / methods
  • Ultrasonic Waves
  • Horse Diseases / therapy
  • Male
  • Cytokines / blood
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Female

Grant Funding

  • ZYYD2023C03-3 / Department of Science and Technology of the Autonomous Region
  • 202301-202412 / Department of Science and Technology of the Autonomous Region
  • 2022A02013-2-7 / Major Science and Technology Special Project of the Autonomous Region
  • 20221201-20251231 / Major Science and Technology Special Project of the Autonomous Region

Conflict of Interest Statement

Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethical approval: The animal study protocol was approved by the Animal Welfare and Ethics Committee of Xinjiang Agricultural University (Approval Number: 2024028; Date 27 December 2024).

References

This article includes 44 references
  1. Yao, X. & Han, G. (China Agricultural University Press, 2008) ().
  2. Zhao T. Horse production; a textbook for higher agricultural colleges and universities specializing in animal husbandry and animal genetic breeding. Beijing: China Agricultural Press; 1997. p. 48–50 (In Chinese).
  3. Ding Z et al. Analysis of slaughter performance and meat quality of yaks in Subei. 32–36 (2023).
  4. Weaver JCB, Stover SM, O’brien TR. Radiographic anatomy of soft tissue attachments in the equine metacarpo phalangeal and proximal phalangeal region. (4), 310–315 (1992).
    pubmed: 1499541
  5. Palmer SE, Mcdonough SP, Mohammed HO. Reduction of Thoroughbred racing fatalities at New York racing asso ciation racetracks using a multi-disciplinary mortality review process. (4), 465–475 (2017).
    pubmed: 28613116
  6. Johnson BJ, Stover SM, Daft BM. Causes of death in race horses over a 2 year period. (4), 327–330 (1994).
    pubmed: 8575402
  7. Stover SM, Murray A. The California postmortem program: leading the way. The Veterinary clinics of North America (1), 21–36 (2008).
    pubmed: 18314034
  8. Peloso JG, Mundy GD, Cohen ND. Prevalence of, and factors associated with, musculoskeletal racing injuries of Thoroughbreds. (4), 620–626 (1994).
    pubmed: 8163419
  9. Sun TC, Riggs CM, Cogger N, Wright J, Al-Alawneh JI. Noncatastrophic and catastrophic fractures in racing Thoroughbreds at the Hong Kong jockey club. (1), 77–82 (2019).
    pubmed: 29672909
  10. Johnson BJ et al. Causes of death in race horses over a 2 year period. 327–330 (1994).
    pubmed: 8575402
  11. Boden LA et al. Risk factors for Thoroughbred racehorse fatality in jump starts in Victoria, Australia (1989–2004). 422–428 (2007).
    pubmed: 17910267
  12. Jiang X et al. A Review of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound for therapeutic applications. (10), 2704–2718 (2019).
    pubmed: 30596564
  13. Gebauer D, Mayr E, Orthner E, Ryaby JP. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound: effects on nonunions. 1391–1402 (2005).
    pubmed: 16223643
  14. Higgins A et al. EXOGEN ultrasound bone healing system for long bone fractures with non-union or delayed healing: a NICE medical technology guidance. 477–484 (2014).
    pmc: PMC4175405pubmed: 25060830
  15. Romano CL, Romano D, Logoluso N. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound for the treatment of bone delayed union or nonunion: a review. 529–536 (2009).
    pubmed: 19097683
  16. Tanzer M, Kantor S, Bobyn J. Enhancement of bone growth into porous intramedullary implants using non-invasive low intensity ultrasound. 195–199 (2001).
    pubmed: 11347690
  17. Xin Z. Clinical applications of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and its potential role in urology. (2), 255–266 (2016).
    pmc: PMC4837316pubmed: 27141455
  18. Palanisamy P. Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Stimulation for Bone Fractures Healing: A Review. (3), 547–563 (2022).
    pmc: PMC9290611pubmed: 33949710
  19. Li Z. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound ameliorates erectile dysfunction induced by bilateral cavernous nerve injury through enhancing Schwann cell-mediated cavernous nerve regeneration. (6), 1188–1202 (2023).
    pubmed: 36762774
  20. Davidson EJ. Lameness evaluation of the athletic horse. The veterinary clinics of North America (2), 181–191 (2018).
    pubmed: 30007446
  21. Shaffer SK. Subchondral focal osteopenia associated with proximal sesamoid bone fracture in Thoroughbred racehorses. 294–305 (2021).
    pubmed: 32474944
  22. Barr ED. Destructive lesions of the proximal sesamoid bones as a complication of dorsal metatarsal artery catheterization in three horses. (2), 159–166 (2005).
    pubmed: 15860108
  23. Cornelissen BP, Rijkenhuizen AB, Barneveld A. The arterial shift features in the equine proximal sesamoid bone. (Suppl 2), S110–S116 (1996).
    pubmed: 8933687
  24. Cornelissen BPM. A study on the pathogenesis of equine sesamoiditis: The effects of experimental occlusion of the sesamoidean artery. (5), 244–250 (2002).
    pubmed: 12126138
  25. Noble P, Singer ER, Jeffery NS. Does subchondral bone of the equine proximal phalanx adapt to race training?. 104–113 (2016).
    pmc: PMC5341590pubmed: 27075139
  26. Maliye S. An inertial sensor-based system can objectively assess diagnostic anaesthesia of the equine foot. 26–30 (2013).
    pubmed: 24304400
  27. Cataudella E. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio: An emerging marker predicting prognosis in elderly adults with community acquired pneumonia. (8), 1796–1801 (2017).
    pubmed: 28407209
  28. Foundation BT, Carney NA, Ghajar J. Guidelines for the management of severe traumatic brain injury. (6), 101–106 (2007).
    pubmed: 17511535
  29. Wang H, Huang Q, Xu X. Blood biochemical indexes and TGF-β1 in fracture healing by osteosynthesis. (5), 6 (2001).
  30. Beijing Medical College. Biochemistry. Beijing: People’s Health Publishing House 1978. 497. (In Chinese)
  31. Mannucci E, Dicembrini I. Drugs for type 2 diabetes: role in the regulation of bone metabolism.. (2), 130–134 (2015).
    pmc: PMC4625768pubmed: 26604937
  32. Cassuto J et al. The key role of proinflammatory cytokines, matrix proteins, RANKL/OPG and Wnt/B-catenin in bone healing of hip arthroplasty patients.. 66–77 (2018).
    pubmed: 29129760
  33. Wang T, He C. TNF-c and IL-6: the link between immune and bone system.. (3), 213–227 (2020).
    pubmed: 31433756
  34. Epari D R et al. Timely fracture-healing requires optimization of axial fixation stability.. (7), 1575–1585 (2007).
    pubmed: 17606797
  35. Einhorn T A. The cell and molecular biology of fracture healing.. S7-21 (1998).
    pubmed: 9917622
  36. McKibbin B. The biology of fracture healing in long bones.. (2), 150–162 (1978).
    pubmed: 350882
  37. Marsell R, Einhorn T A. The biology of fracture healing.. (6), 551–555 (2011).
    pmc: PMC3105171pubmed: 21489527
  38. Le Roux C, Carstens A. Axial sesamoiditis in the horse: A review.. e1–e8 (2018).
    pmc: PMC6138204pubmed: 29781675
  39. Rothaug P G et al. A comparison of ultra-high-molecular weight polyethylene cable and stainless steel wire using two fixation techniques for repair of equine midbody sesamoid fractures: an in vitro biomechanical study.. (5), 445–454 (2002).
    pubmed: 12209415
  40. Rawool N M et al. Power Doppler assessment of vascular changes during fracture treatment with low-intensity ultrasound.. (2), 145–153 (2003).
    pubmed: 12562119
  41. Tang C H et al. Ultrasoundstimulates cyclooxygenase-2 expression and increases bone formation through integrin, focal adhesion kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and Akt pathway in osteoblasts.. (6), 2047–2057 (2006).
    pubmed: 16540596
  42. Sena K et al. Early gene response to low- intensity pulsed ultrasound in rat osteoblastic cells.. (5), 703–708 (2005).
    pubmed: 15866420
  43. Malerba P, Kaminstein D, Brunetti E, Manciulli T. Is there a role for bedside ultrasound in malaria? A survey of the literature.. 13–21 (2020).
    pmc: PMC7010899pubmed: 30852774
  44. Zheng C et al. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound attenuates cardiac inflammation of CVB3-induced viral myocarditis via regulation of caveolin-1 and MAPK pathways.. (3), 1963–1975 (2019).
    pmc: PMC6378187pubmed: 30592150

Citations

This article has been cited 0 times.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,000 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.