Investigation of the effect of low magnitude high frequency (IMHF) vibration with clamp method on healing in nonunion tibia fractures

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effect of Low Magnitude High Frequency Vibration (LMHFT) on nonunion tibial fractures and to allow the results to be used for further studies. Material and Method: Experimental (n=5) and control (n=5) groups were gathered (totally 10) from the patients that don't have statistically significant difference about mean age (p>0,05) and Nonunion Tibia Scor System (NUSS) (p>0,05). Low Magnitude High Frequency Vibration (0,35 g, 50 Hz, 20 min x 4/day) were conducted to the experimental group for three months by a mechanical stimulator with 'clamp method' that we developed. Control group was only followed during three moths without any application. The results were analysed by Radiographic Union Score for Tibial Fractures (RUST) and American Orthopedics Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS). Resuts: There were not any statistically significant difference between the groups about before and after scores of RUST and AOFAS (p>0.05). Pain and function scores as a part of AOFAS was not any statistically different (p>0.05) at before and after values of control group. But the increase at pain scores (p<0.034) and function scores (p<0.043) were statistically significant at before and after scores of the experimental group. Conclusion: In the study, Low Magnitude High Frequency Vibration constituted well being at the experimental group about pain and function parameters of AOFAS but there were not any improvement between the groups by RUST and AOFAS evaluation, totally.