Research on Laser Therapy Following a Femur Fracture
Recently, a research paper was published exploring the use of laser therapy in bone repair, such as following a femur fracture. Over the past few years, laser therapy has expanded rapidly in its use in the medical community. While lasers have been used regularly in other scientific and engineering purposes, its use in the medical field is still relatively new. Now, lasers have been used to treat both acute and chronic conditions. Research has previously shown that lasers can reduce pain and inflammation; however, its potential to treat bone fractures is still relatively unknown.
In the journal called Lasers in Medical Science, a group of researchers conducted a series of experiments regarding lasers and bone fractures. Their results show that lasers might play a role in serious bone fractures, such as a broken femur, in the future.
How do Lasers Work in the Medical Field?
Laser therapy has been used by doctors in a variety of specialties over the past few years. This therapy works using a process known as photobiomodulation. In this therapy, the photos from the laser enter the various tissues in a designated area of the body. Once in the tissue, the photons will interact with cellular organelles, such as the mitochondria. When the lasers interact with the mitochondria, they trigger an increase in cellular metabolism. Because the cells are working more quickly than before, the hypothesis is that the healing process will accelerate. This can also help reduce inflammation and may provide pain relief.
An Overview of the Research Study: Laser Therapy and Femur Fractures
A group of researchers gathered about sixty animals who had been diagnosed with a femur fracture. The animals were divided into two groups. While every animal had a femur fracture, one group was assigned to receive low-level laser therapy. The other group was not exposed to any laser therapy.
The researchers followed the animals over the course of several weeks. They were watching the animals for signs of new bone formation and evidence of increased cellular activity. The scientists used microscopes to look for signs of a new, healthy bone matrix and increased signs of bone-forming proteins.
The research team found that the group exposed to low-level laser therapy recovered from their femur fractures more quickly than the other group. The scientists found an increase in bone formation, reduced inflammation, and evidence of more bone-forming proteins in the laser therapy group. Their results show that laser therapy can play an important role in the healing process following a serious femur fracture.
Future Directions: Moving Forward
The researchers did note that this study was performed on animals. It will be some time before this therapy makes its way to a human population for the purposes of healing serious bone fractures; however, the early results are promising. The scientists found that lasers have the potential to expedite the recovery process following a femur fracture.
Because lasers are already used in the healthcare field in a variety of other settings, the hope is that this transition will be easy. This therapy already plays a role in the treatment of inflammation and chronic pain. If laser therapy can be used to accelerate the recovery process following a femur fracture, its potential benefits should be explored. It might improve someone’s prognosis following a serious accident.
Sacramento Femur Fracture Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Femur Fracture Lawyer in Sacramento. Some individuals may benefit from laser therapy following a femur fracture. If someone you care for has developed issues following a femur fracture due to the negligence of another person or entity, call me as soon as possible at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice.
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