Acceleration of fresh fracture repair using the sonic accelerated fracture healing system (SAFHS): A review

The Sonic Accelerated Fracture Healing System (SAFHS) is a relatively new fracture management tool which incorporates the application of a specifically modified diagnostic ultrasound unit to healing fractures with the intention of accelerating repair. In an animal fracture model, this device has been shown to accelerate the rate of biomechanical healing by a factor of 1.4-1.6. In two randomized, controlled trials in humans, the same unit has been shown to reduce the time frame of clinical and radiographic healing by 38%. In the two fracture regions investigated, tibial diaphysis and distal radius, this represented a 58 day and 37 day reduction in healing time, respectively. Despite its effect on the entire process of fresh fracture repair, the effect of the SAFHS on the individual stages and processes involved has not been established. This paper reviews these stages and processes, and discusses the clinical and practical implications of the effect of the SAFHS on fracture repair and the need for further research into this modality.