Utilization of Low-Frequency Ultrasound Therapy to Aid in the Healing of a Chronic Painful Ulceration of the Lower Extremity in an Ovarian Cancer Patient: A Case Report

The purpose of this case study is to investigate the healing capabilities of low-frequency ultrasound therapy to heal a chronic painful ulceration. In this case, a 61-year-old African American female with past medical history of hypertension, chronic venous insufficiency and ovarian cancer on chemotherapy presented to clinic complaining of a painful chronic ulceration to the left ankle. Patient attributed the re-ulceration of this chronic wound to her current chemotherapy treatment drug, doxorubicin. After the initial consultation, patient therapy that was recommended was ultrasound therapy, due to the patient stating the lesion was too painful for frequent sharp debridement in the clinical setting even when utilizing topical anesthetic. The recommended interval treatments included seven minute session to the wound three times a week over a period of nine months. There were noted changes to the appearance of the wound base after the first week of therapy and changes in the size by the second week of therapy. Throughout the treatment regimen, the patient’s pain tolerance to the wound improved as well. After nine months, there was noted complete healing of the tissues without any complications. In conclusion, ultrasound therapy, often referred to as MIST therapy, can be a useful device to heal painful chronic wounds in immunocompromised patients when therapy options are limited.