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Sound Machine Heals Broken Bones

Broken bones heal with lightning speed thanks to a revolutionary new

device that bombards the body with low-intensity sound waves. Arm

and leg casts can be taken off up to a month earlier than usual by

patients who use the amazing ultrasound module for 20 minutes a day

at home.

"X-rays definitely show a significant acceleration of fracture

healing when ultrasound is used," says Dr. Thomas Kristiansen, an

associate professor of orthopedics at the University of Vermont

College of Medicine in Burlington.

The module is attached by a cord to a lunchbox-size transformer that

plugs into a wall socket. The round, 1 & 1/2 inch diameter head is

inserted into an opening in the cast and placed against the skin

above the fracture.

The experimental treatment is still under study by the Food and Drug

Adminstration. If it's ultimately approved, the 1.7 million

Americans who suffer arm and leg fractures every year could benefit

in other ways, too, researchers say.

"It would do a lot more than just rid them of cumbersome casts

sooner," says Dr. James Heckman, chairman of the Department of

Orthopedics at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San

Antonio. "Their medical expenses would also be less, and they could

return to work sooner."