Effects of multiwavelength photobiomodulation for the treatment of traumatic soft tissue injuries associated with bone fractures: a double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial.

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of multiwavelength photobiomodulation (MPBM) in healing soft tissue injuries associated with tibial and/or ankle fractures. Participants were randomized into the MPBM or control group. Primary outcome was wound healing, measured by the Bates-Jensen scale. Assessments were performed daily. Twenty-seven hospitalized adults were included. MPBM showed an improvement in the daily mean Bates-Jensen scale (MPBM 32.1 versus control 34.2; p = 0.029), daily mean pain score change (MPBM 0.5 versus control 0.2; p = 0.04) and occurrence of infection at the site of the external fixator pins (MPBM 15.3% versus control 57.1%; p = 0.02). MPBM group also showed faster-wound resolution (MPBM 13.1 versus control 23.1 days). Subgroup analysis showed improvement in the MPBM group among less severe patients on the Bates-Jensen scale (MPBM 27.4 versus control 34.7; p = 0.0081) and mean time for wound resolution (MPBM 7.0 versus control 14.6 days; p = 0.03). MPBM appears safe and effective in reducing wound resolution time, infection in the surgical pin sites, reported pain and time before definitive surgery. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.