The classification
of Lidstrom was defined as: I° (no deformity, no dorsal angulation
and radius was shortened less than 3 mm), II° (light deformity,
1°-10° of dorsal angulation and radius was shortened 3-6 mm),
III° (mild deformity, 11°-15°of dorsal angulation and radius was
shortened 7-12 mm), and IV° (severe deformity, more than 15° of
dorsal angulation and radius was shortened more than 12 mm).
Patients were closely reduced and immobilized with cast in the
position of palmar flexion. All patients were randomly divided
into two groups with the random number table: the ultrasound
treatment group (n=41) and the control group (n=40). In ultrasound
group, a ‘window’ of 2.5 cm in diameter was cut on the dorsal
side of fracture site. Ultrasonic probe was applied on the fracture
site though the window. The ultrasound treatment was given with
15 min/day with the low-intensity pulsed therapeutic ultrasonic
device (Shanghai Dahu Medical Instrument Plant, including the
electropult of ultrasound and ultrasonic probe). The intensity of
LIPUS was 30 mW/cm2 (1.5 MHz frequency and 200μs pulse
duration). The first time of ultrasound treatment was performed in
hospital by doctors, and then patients manipulated the treatment
themselves according to instructions given by doctor. The patients
took the entopic and lateral X-ray films at a follow-up examination
every week. Two weeks later, the patients in the ultrasound group
were immobilized with a below-elbow plaster cast, while the
patients in the control group were immobilized with plaster support
and cast until clinical union of bone. Then functional training was
performed on patients directed by doctors