Focused Ultrasound Therapy
Focused ultrasound is a noninvasive, therapeutic technology with the potential to improve the quality of life and decrease the cost of care for patients with osteomyelitis. This novel technology focuses beams of ultrasound energy precisely and accurately on targets in the body without damaging surrounding normal tissue.
How it Works
Where the beams converge, the ultrasound can produce local hyperthermia which enables better penetration of the antibiotics to treat osteomyelitis more effectively. While some work has been accomplished, there is still much to be done before this technology will be widely available.
Advantages
The primary options for treatment of osteomyelitis include medication, invasive surgery and sometimes amputation.
For certain patients, focused ultrasound could provide a noninvasive alternative to surgery with less risk of complications – such as surgical wound healing or infection – at a lower cost. It can reach the desired target without damaging surrounding tissue and is repeatable, if necessary.
Clinical Trials
At the present time, there are no clinical trials recruiting patients for focused ultrasound treatment of osteomyelitis.
Regulatory Approval and Reimbursement
Focused ultrasound treatment for osteomyelitis is not yet approved by regulatory bodies or covered by medical insurance companies.
Notable Papers
Beserra A, Pichardo S, Kisselgoff D, Peeva V, Curiel L. Targeting feasibility evaluation of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound in the management of osteomyelitis: a virtual treatment planning study in 75 patients. Int J Hyperthermia. 2019;36(1):1012-1023. doi: 10.1080/02656736.2019.1663944.
Evaluation of Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound in the Management of Osteomyelitis: Targeting Feasibility. Presentation by Amanda Beserra. 2018.
Click here for additional references from PubMed.