Development of new comprehensive approaches for fracture using mechanical stress

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K12933
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Rehabilitation science/Welfare engineering
• Research Institution: Kobe University
• Principal Investigator: MORIYAMA Hideki 神戸大学, 保健学研究科, 教授 (10438111)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: 物理的刺激 / 骨折 / 骨粗鬆症 / 脆弱性骨折 / 超音波 / 電気刺激 / 体外衝撃波

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Although novel therapies for fracture or osteoporosis are constantly explored, effective and minimally invasive therapeutic approaches have not been established in clinical settings. In the present study, we aimed to develop a new comprehensive treatment for bone fracture, osteoporosis, and osteoporotic fracture using ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and extracorporeal shock wave. Our findings indicate that higher-intensity ultrasound promotes fracture healing, and that ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and extracorporeal shock wave were effective for osteoporosis. In addition, electrical stimulation and extracorporeal shock wave may be effective for promoting healing of osteoporotic fractures.

Free Research Field

リハビリテーション科学・福祉工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究により得られた知見から、超音波、電気刺激、体外衝撃波による物理的刺激が、骨折、骨粗鬆症、脆弱性骨折に対する新たな治療戦略になる可能性をもつことが示された。これらの治療法は、従来用いられている薬物療法や手術療法と比較すると、低侵襲的であり、経済的にも優れた技術・装置となり得る。