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

•The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of LLLT and LIPUS alone and in combination on new bone formation.•In this study, we prefered micro-CT and histomorphometric analysis for evaluation of new bone formation.•To conclude, LLLT and LIPUS increases new bone formation when used alone.•To conclude, there were not seen any positive effect on new bone formation when LLLT and LIPUS used in a combination.

ObjectiveWe 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 designSixteen 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.ResultsLLLT 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.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate the efficacy of LLLT or LIPUS in triggering bone regeneration. Therapeutic dose and duration requires further study.