Bone regeneration by low-level laser therapy and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy in the rabbit calvarium

Objective: We evaluated the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), alone and in combination, in triggering new bone formation. Study design: Sixteen New Zealand white rabbits were given two calvarial defects by using a 6-mm trephine bur, then divided into four treatment groups: control, LLLT, LIPUS, and LLLT + LIPUS. The LLLT and LIPUS groups were treated three times a week for two weeks. The LLLT + LIPUS group received each treatment on the same day, 12 h apart, three days a week for two weeks. The animals were sacrificed after three weeks. Results: LLLT and LIPUS, alone and in combination, enhanced new bone formation in comparison to the untreated controls after three weeks (P < 0.05); the combined therapy did not produce an additive effect. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the efficacy of LLLT or LIPUS in triggering bone regeneration. Therapeutic dose and duration requires further study. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.