Ultrasonic Treatment Device And Methods For Using The Same

Abstract

A therapeutic bath has ultrasonic acoustic transducers around the outer surface thereof, which uniformly oscillate a liquid within the bath. A part of the body suffering from a musculoskeletal disorder is placed in the bath. The power of the oscillations is adjusted to the individual patient. The liquid may include a medication to simultaneously treat and clean an open wound. Treatment is applicable to both humans and animals.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic therapeutic treatment system. More specifically, the present invention relates to therapeutic treatment for relieving symptoms of certain musculoskeletal conditions of humans an animals. Furthermore specifically, the present invention relates to the therapeutic treatment of open wounds. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to such treatment by means of an ultrasonic bath, whereby the entire bath is subject to ultrasonic oscillations and the power of the ultrasonic oscillations is variable to adapt to the individual patient.

In the past there has been a great need for relieving symptoms of a number of musculoskeletal disorders, such as periostitis, contusions, sprains, strains, sesamoiditis, apophysitis, bunions, callousitis, tenosynovitis, various types of arthritis such as osteo arthritis, calcaneal spurs, neuralgia, fractures and bursitis. A number of attempts have been made in the past to develop therapeutic treatments for relieving the symptoms of certain of these disorders.

One form of such a prior art treatment involves a system to apply vibrations directly or through a coupling such as grease to parts of the body. However, such a treatment has a very limited degree of application and success. A later form of treatment comprises a therapeutic bath with a transducer located within the bath. However, this form of treatment also met with limited application and success. A primary problem with this system is that the oscillations are made uneven throughout the bath, and therefore the effect of the treatment varied greatly within the bath.

All of the above methods of treatment suffer from certain inherent disadvantages in addition to the above listed disadvantages. Each patient is subjected to the same treatment. However, it has been found that each patient is not susceptible to the same treatment. This is due to differences in bone structure, skin flesh density, water content, and other musculoskeletal traits of the individual.

With these disadvantages in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide therapeutic treatment to relieve the symptoms of certain musculoskeletal disorders, which treatment provides vastly improved results over the above-mentioned prior art treatments.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide such treatment having a much greater field of application that prior art treatments.

Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide therapeutic treatment which is adaptable to the individual needs and limitations of each patient.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide such a therapeutic treatment to relieve the symptoms of certain disorders in both humans and in animals.

It is to be understood that the scope of the present invention includes the treatment of all musculoskeletal disorders. For instance, the present invention encompasses the treatment of bone disorders such as fractures, and also disorders which relate to and effect bones such as calcaneal spurs and apophysitis. The present invention also encompasses the treatment of all types of muscle disorders such as contusions, membrane disorders such as periostitis, skin disorders such as callousitis, tendon disorders such as tenosynovitis, and bursa disorders such as bursitis and bunions. Furthermore, the present invention encompasses the treatment of disorders relating to and/or effecting bone and muscle, cartilage, ligament or nerve such as sprains, strains, sesamoiditis, various types of arthritis such as osteo arthritis and Morton's neuralgia.

These objects are achieved in accordance with the present invention by ultrasonically vibrating a therapeutic bath by means of ultrasonic acoustical transducers attached to the outside of the bath. This enables the entire bath to be uniformly oscillated. Such oscillations provide therapeutic relief of the symptoms of certain disorders. Means are provided to vary the power of the oscillations over a wide range. This variation of power allows each treatment to be adapted to the individual musculoskeletal limitations of the patient. Therefore, the conditions of treatment for each patient may be adjusted to provide the most effective treatment. This treatment will relieve the symptoms of certain musculoskeletal conditions in humans, and also in horses, cattle, dogs, cats and other similar livestock and pets.

Similarly, in the past there has been a great need for a method of debridement whereby open wounds may be cleaned and treated simultaneously. In the past, such therapeutic treatment and cleaning has consisted of a meticulous surgical debridement, such as wiping or sponging the open wound with a medication. However, it has been difficult by the use of such treatment to remove implanted dirt and debris from the wound.

Therefore, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a vastly improved therapeutic treatment of open wounds.

Such objects are achieved in accordance with the present invention by providing a medication in the ultrasonic bath. The ultrasonic bath performs cleaning of the wound, and simultaneously applies medication to the wound. The power of the bath is variable to adapt both to the limitations of each patient, and also to the severity of the particular wound.

Additionally, the present invention provides such a cleaning and therapeutic treatment whereby an acoustically transparent container surrounds the open wound, and contains medication which is in contact with the open wound. The wound and the container are then placed within the bath. Simultaneous cleaning and medication are performed in a similar manner as previously described.

Other objects and features of the invention will be made clear by the following description, taken together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a therapeutic treatment device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a perferred portable therapeutic treatment unit in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a diagram, partly in section, of a modified embodiment of the present invention for use in the simultaneous treatment and cleaning of open wounds.

With reference now to the drawings, a device will be described which will conveniently be used to perform the treatment of the present invention. In FIG. 1 is shown a bath 1 which is susceptible to ultrasonic oscillation. Around the outer surface of the bath 1 are provided a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 2. Transducers 2 are connected in a known manner through frequency oscillator 4 to an AC source 3. When power is supplied from source 3 to ultrasonic transducers 2, the liquid within the bath 1 is uniformly oscillated at a desired power and frequency. In order to adapt the power of the oscillations to the individual patients, variable power control 5 is provided in the control circuit. Control device 5 may be any such known device, or any commercially available such device. They are connected within the circuit in a known manner. By the provision of the control element 5, the power of the oscillation of the bath may be independently controlled and adjusted.

With reference now to FIG. 2, an example of a practical device embodying the present invention is shown. The treatment device described with reference to FIG. 1 is conveniently mounted in a portable cart generally indicated at 10. Cart 10 includes handle 11 and wheels 12 for portable movement. Bath 1, having transducers 2 mounted on the outer surface thereof, is conveniently and conventionally mounted within cart 10. Electronic power and control circuit 6, which includes frequency oscillator 4 and variable power control 5, is also conveniently mounted on cart 10.

It is to be understood that the practical embodiments of the present invention may be other than that specifically shown in FIG. 2. For instance, the cart 10 may have a different shape than that shown. Furthermore, the device may be mounted permanently rather than in a portable unit.

Furthermore, it is to be understood that the bath 1 may be of various shapes and adapted to receive various limbs and parts of the body undergoing treatment. For instance, the bath 1 may be particularly shaped to receive a foot, or a leg, or a hand, or an arm, or an elbow. Thus, it is to be seen that the scope of the present invention includes more than the diagrammatic shape of bath 1 shown in the figures.

Furthermore, it is to be understood that the present invention may include variable control units of a known type. For instance, as mentioned above, the frequency oscillator and transducers may be any which are commercially available and known in the art, for instance of polycrystalline ceramic material such as barium titanate or zirconium titanate. One example is the "Sono" type, manufactured by Linden Laboratories.

The variable power control may be any which is known and commercially available in the art. One such example is the "Powerstat" (7.5 amps/100-140V) manufactured by Superior Electric Co., of Springfield, Ill.

The operation of the above device will now be described. The part of the body which is to undergo treatment is comfortably placed within the bath. The transducers cause the liquid in the bath to oscillate, whereby acoustic energy is conveyed throughout the liquid in the bath and the part of the body within the bath. A sufficient number of transducers are used to insure that the energy is uniformly conveyed throughout the liquid in the bath and the part of the body within the bath at the desired power level.

It has generally been found that the greater the energy applied to the part of the body undergoing treatment, the more successful will be the treatment. Thus, the variable power control is then adjusted to raise the power level as high as possible. When the power reaches the level at which there appears discomfort to the patient, the power level is slightly reduced. The practical range of power depends upon the patient, and may vary a great deal up to, for instance, a level of 1.0 watt per square centimeter of skin within the bath. However, it has been found that the most practical range is from 0.30 to 0.70 Watt/cm.sup.2 of skin within the bath.

The frequency of oscillation of the acoustic energy may be set at any desired level, usually within the range of 50 to 250 kilocycles. A particularly effective setting is 100 kc, with a tolerance of .+-. 20 kc. Thus, according to this embodiment, the oscillator would be designed for 100 kc, and within commercial tolerances would oscillate at a frequency in the range of from 80 to 120 kc.

The time length of each treatment may practically range from 3 or 4 minutes up to 10 minutes or more. It has been found that the treatment embodying the present invention is effective very rapidly. It has also been found that usually after 10 minutes of treatment, no additional benefits accrue. The number of treatments necessary vary a great deal, and depend on the individual patient, on the particular condition being treated, and upon the severity of the symptoms of the condition. It has been found that satisfactory results may occur after only a single treatment. It has also been found that good results have required as many as eleven treatments. It is conceivable of course, that relief of symptoms may take more than eleven treatments.

The composition of the bath may include any liquid which is sensitive to the transmission of acoustical energy, and which may be beneficial to the treatment of the particular condition. Water alone may be used, or various aqueous, oil or wax solutions may be used.

The temperature of the bath is not critical, although it has been found generally that warmer temperatures are helpful. The main consideration would be the comfort of the patient.

EXAMPLE 1

A patient suffering from a condition medically diagnosed as periostitis tibial tuberosity at the ankle, an old injury, was treated in accordance with the present invention. The patient, prior to treatment, suffered pain upon contact with shoes, or upon digital pressure. The ankle was placed in a bath in accordance with the present invention. The power was adjusted to 0.46 Watt/cm.sup.2 of skin with in the bath. This was found to be the maximum acceptable comfortable limit for this patient. The frequency of the ultrasonic oscillations was between 80 and 90 kilocycles. The treatment was continued for 10 minutes. Two treatments such as described were performed on the patient. After the second treatment, the pain was completely gone and the patient could walk and wear shoes without pain.

A further patient was treated for symptoms of a similar condition in accordance with the present invention. The results are summarized in Table 1.

TABLE 1 __________________________________________________________________________ PRE-TREATMENT SYMPTOMS OF POWER FREQUENCY LENGTH OF NO. OF EFFECT OF MEDICAL CONDITION WATT/cm.sup.2 (KC) TREATMENT TREATMENTS TREATMENT DIAGNOSIS (MIN) ON SYMPTOMS __________________________________________________________________________ Periostits Navi- Pain upon 0.49-0.57 80 to 90 8 9 Pain subsided cular - right foot pressure and upon motion __________________________________________________________________________

Thus it is shown that treatment in accordance with the present invention is successful in the relief of symptoms of periostitis.

EXAMPLE 2

A patient suffering from a condition medically diagnosed as contusion of the first metatarso-phalangeal joint was treated in accordance with the present invention. The patient evidenced pain and edema and restricted motion. The particular joint was placed in the ultrasonic bath as above described. Power was adjusted to 0.37 Watt/cm.sup.2. The frequency of the ultrasonic oscillations was between 80 and 90 kilocycles. The length of each treatment was 10 minutes. Three treatments were given, and at the end of the third treatment the pain and edema had subsided and motion was completely restored.

Other patients suffering from similar contusions underwent similar treatment, the results of which are summarized in Table 2.

TABLE 2 __________________________________________________________________________ PRE-TREATMENT SYMPTOMS OF POWER FREQUENCY LENGTH OF NO. OF EFFECT OF MEDICAL CONDITION WATT/cm.sup.2 (KC) TREATMENT TREATMENTS TREATMENT DIAGNOSIS (MIN) ON SYMPTOMS __________________________________________________________________________ Severe Contusion Pain upon walking 0.55 80 to 90 8 5 Pain complete- Lt. Heel ly absent Severe Contusion Pain and edema 0.57 80 to 90 10 2 Pain ceased 5th toe right foot and reduc- tion of edema Severe Contusion Ecchimosis and 0.57 85 5 2 Absorption of of foot pain as well edema and dis- as edema appearance of ecchimosis Contusion-second, third constant pain 0.57 80 to 90 5 6 Complete ab- and fourth metatarsal and edema sence of pain and edema. No sensitivity anywhere in foot Contused Sesamoid Bone Pain at ball of 0.52 80 to 90 8 5 Edema subsided. left foot great toe joint Pain reduced to on weight bear- negative except ing. Edema of when walking area (left foot barefooted. only) Change of wea- ther noticeably in area of con- dition treated Contusion severe Edema-Extensive- 0.57 80 to 90 8 6 2nd, 3rd and 4th Pain on Edema and Metatarsal head contact with pain subsided area right food shoe and digi- tal pressure __________________________________________________________________________

Thus, it is seen that treatment in accordance with the present invention significantly relieves the symptoms of severe contusions.

EXAMPLE 3

A patient suffering from a condition medically diagnosed as right ankle sprain was treated in accordance with the present invention. The symptoms of the patient's condition included massive edema, ecchymosis, weight bearing very painful. The power was adjusted to 0.57 Watt/.sub.cm 2 after the patient's ankle was placed in the bath. The frequency of the oscillations was between 80 to 90 kilocycles. Each treatment lasted 8 minutes. Seven treatments were conducted, and after the seventh treatment, the edema had been reduced, there was no pain on locomotion, and the ecchymosis had been absorbed. Other patients suffering from similar conditions were treated in accordance with the present invention. The results of these treatments are summarized in Table 3.

TABLE 3 __________________________________________________________________________ PRE-TREATMENT SYMPTOMS OF POWER FREQUENCY LENGTH OF NO. OF EFFECT OF MEDICAL CONDITION WATT/cm.sup.2 (KC) TREATMENT TREATMENTS TREATMENT DIAGNOSIS (MIN) ON SYMPTOMS __________________________________________________________________________ Sprain mid-tarsal area Pain on weight absence of pain right foot bearing limited 0.61 80-90 8 3 motion normal motion Sprain rt. 1st carpal Pain no power 0.55 80-90 10 5 Pain eased to metacarpal jt. in grip point of occa- sion twinge Chronic sprain left constant ache Free from pain and sensitiv- 0.66 80-90 8-10 5 ity Sprain midtarsal Pain on pres- Absence of pain joints sure and edema 0.41 80-90 10 3 and reduction of edema completely Chronic sprain of rt. Pain and edema ankle on standing 0.69 80-90 8-10 4 No edema, pain completely re- lieved. Function excellent Sprain right ankle Pain and Edema Pain and Edema (lateral right ankle 0.49-0.57 80-90 10 7 subsided. Walking is Patient walked possible with without cane a cane. after 2nd treatment Sprain midtarsal area Pain causing Edema subsided. right foot limp upon 0.53-0.57 80-90 10 3 Pain eliminated walking and pain on any pressure. Edema at in- step Sprain left ankle Edema-Ecchymo- Edema subsided- Motion unrestric- - sis extensive 0.66 80-90 10 35 ted-Ecchymosis extremely faded in one limited motion week __________________________________________________________________________

Thus, it is seen that the treatment of sprains, in accordance with the present invention, significantly eliminates the symptoms of such conditions.

EXAMPLE 4

A patient suffering from a condition medically diagnosed as post-poliomyelitis plantar fascia strain of the right foot was treated in accordance with the present invention. The symptoms of the condition were severe pain and edema, patient almost nonambulatory. The patient's foot was placed in a bath in accordance with the present invention. The power level was adjusted to 0.55 Watt/.sub.cm 2 and the frequency of oscillations was between 80 to 90 kc. The time length of each treatment was 8-10 minutes. After the end of the sixth treatment, the pain and edema had disappeared.

Similar treatments were conducted on patients suffering from similar conditions. Results of these treatements are summarized in Table 4.

TABLE 4 __________________________________________________________________________ PRE-TREATMENT SYMPTOMS OF POWER FREQUENCY LENGTH OF NO. OF EFFECT OF MEDICAL CONDITION WATT/cm.sup.2 (KC) TREATMENT TREATMENTS TREATMENT DIAGNOSIS (MIN) ON SYMPTOMS __________________________________________________________________________ Plantar fascia strain; Pain on stand- result of pes cavus ing and walk- 0.49 80-90 8-10 7 Absence of edema ing. Edema edema complete- ly. Freedom from pain com- pletely Chronic Plantar Fascia Extreme pain strain(Fascitis)both upon any use 0.41-0.49 80-90 8 8 Pain subsided- feet of feet Activities (Athletic re- sumed) __________________________________________________________________________

Thus it is seen that treatment in accordance with the present invention relieves the symptoms of strains.

EXAMPLE 5

A patient suffering from a condition medically diagnosed as sesamoiditis of the left foot was treated in accordance with the present invention. The symptoms of the condition were chronic pain and edema. The foot was placed in a bath in accordance with the present invention as described above. The power level was adjusted to 0.64 Watt .sub./cm 2, and the frequency of oscillations was between 80 to 90 kc. The length of each treatment was 8-10 minutes. After the end of the fourth treatment, the pain was gone and the edema was completely absorbed.

Patients suffering from similar conditions were treated in accordance with the present invention. The results of these treatments are summarized in Table 5.

TABLE 5 __________________________________________________________________________ PRE-TREATMENT SYMPTOMS OF POWER FREQUENCY LENGTH OF NO. OF EFFECT OF MEDICAL CONDITION WATT/cm.sup.2 (KC) TREATMENT TREATMENTS TREATMENT DIAGNOSIS (MIN) ON SYMPTOMS __________________________________________________________________________ Sesamoiditis left foot Unable to bear Pain free- first Metatarsal head weight on fore- 0.61 80-90 10 4 weightbearing foot pain on normal motion flexion and unrestricted extension Sesamoiditis(Bifurcated) Pain at ball Pain on exten- right foot of foot upon 0.57-0.61 80-90 8 9 sion ceased standing and walking and upon exten- sion of great toe Sesamoiditis(Bifurcated) Pain on stand- Pain subsided right foot ing or exten- 0.57-0.61 80-90 8 7 motion was nor- sion of great mal and pain- toe less __________________________________________________________________________

Thus, it is seen that treatment in accordance with the present invention relieves the symptoms of sesamoiditis.

EXAMPLE 6

A patient suffering from a condition medically diagnosed as apophysitis of the left heel was treated in accordance with the present invention. The symptoms of the condition were pain on weight bearing and upon physical activities. The heel was placed in the bath in accordance with the present invention. The power level was varied between 0.49 and 0.53 Watt/.sub.cm 2, and the frequency was between 80 to 90 kc. The length of each treatment was 8 minutes, and after the end of the third treatment the pain had subsided.

A further patient suffering from a similar condition was treated in accordance with the present invention. The results of such treatment are summarized in Table 6.

TABLE 6 __________________________________________________________________________ PRE-TREATMENT SYMPTOMS OF POWER FREQUENCY LENGTH OF NO. OF EFFECT OF MEDICAL CONDITION WATT/cm.sup.2 (KC) TREATMENT TREATMENTS TREATMENT DIAGNOSIS (MIN) ON SYMPTOMS __________________________________________________________________________ Apophysitis left Pain on walk- heel ing and runn- 0.49-0.55 80-90 8 5 Pain upon walk- ing and on ing ceased. Runn- digital pres- ing was forbid- sure den __________________________________________________________________________

Thus, it is seen that treatment in accordance with the present invention is successful in relieving the symptoms of apophysitis.

EXAMPLE 7

A patient suffering from a condition medically diagnosed at Tailor's bunion of the left foot, head of the fifth metatarsal, was treated in accordance with the present invention. The symptoms were edema and erythema, right 5th metatarsal head. The foot was placed in a bath and the power level was adjusted to 0.53 to 0.61 Watt.sub.cm 2. The frequency of oscillations was between 80 to 90 kc. Each treatment last 8 minutes. At the end of the fourth treatment, the pain has subsided. The enlarged joint however, being bone, did not decrease.

Thus it is seen that the symptoms of bunions may be relieved by the employment of treatment in accordance with the present invention.

EXAMPLE 8

A patient suffering from a condition medically diagnosed as multiple callousitis bilateral was treated in accordance with the present invention. Symptoms of the condition were pain at metatarsal areas of both feet. The feet were placed in a bath and the power was adjusted to from 0.59 to 0.61 Watt/.sub.cm 2. The frequency of oscillation was between 80 and 90 kc. The length of each treatment was 8 minutes. At the end of the third treatment, the inflammation had been reduced. The ache, however, although decreased, remained present, due to the foot structure of the patient.

Thus it is seen that treatment in accordance with the present invention is successful in relieving symptoms of callousitis.

EXAMPLE 9

A patient suffering from a condition medically diagnosed as tendonitis posterial tibial muscle of the right foot was treated in accordance with the present invention. The symptoms of the condition were pain upon motion, motion restricted. The foot was placed in a bath in accordance with the present invention. The power level was adjusted to 0.52 Watt/.sub.cm 2, and the frequency was between 80 and 90 kc. Each treatment lasted 10 minutes. At the end of the fourth treatment, the pain had disappeared, and motion was completely unrestricted.

Patients suffering from conditions similar to that above were treated in accordance with the present invention. The results of these treatments are summarized in Table 7.

TABLE 7 __________________________________________________________________________ PRE-TREATMENT SYMPTOMS OF POWER FREQUENCY LENGTH OF NO. OF EFFECT OF MEDICAL CONDITION WATT/cm.sup.2 (KC) TREATMENT TREATMENTS TREATMENT DIAGNOSIS (MIN) ON SYMPTOMS __________________________________________________________________________ Tendonitis-Extensor Pain on motion Hallucis Longus left extension and 0.43-0.61 80-90 10 6 Pain subsided- foot Hallux Valgus left flexion of Motion returned foot great toe left to normal and foot pain free Chronic Hallux Valgus Pain in shoes Edema reduced- right foot and Erythema 0.57 80-90 8 5 pain eliminated of area Tenosynovitis right Pain on exten- Pain completely foot-extensor Hallugis sion of great 0.55 80-90 8 8 absent. Motion Longus Mosue toe rightfoot unlimited upon either active or passive motion. Range of motion limited due to pain Tenosynovitis right Extreme pain on tendon achilles motion Edema in 0.53-0.70 80-90 8 7 Pain and Edema ankle area subsided __________________________________________________________________________

Thus it is seen that treatment in accordance with the present invention is successful in relieving symptoms of tendonitis and similar conditions.

EXAMPLE 10

A patient suffering from a condition medically diagnosed as osteo arthritis of both feet was treated in accordance with the present invention. Symptoms of the condition were pain and edema in joint areas, stiffness and limited motion. Both feet were placed in the bath in accordance with the present invention. Power was adjusted to 0.41 Watt/cm.sup.2, and frequency was between 80 and 90 kc. Each treatment lasted 8 minutes. At the end of the seventh treatment, the pain and edema had been decreased, and motion was increased.

Other patients suffering from similar conditions were treated in accordance with the present invention. The results of these treatments are summarized in Table 8.

TABLE 8 __________________________________________________________________________ PRE-TREATMENT SYMPTOMS OF POWER FREQUENCY LENGTH OF NO. OF EFFECT OF MEDICAL CONDITION WATT/cm.sup.2 (KC) TREATMENT TREATMENTS TREATMENT DIAGNOSIS (MIN) ON SYMPTOMS __________________________________________________________________________ Osteo Arthritis both Pain upon walk- feet Metatarsal Phalan- ing Edema 0.55 80-90 10 4 No pain - Re- geal area chronic duction of Edema Hallux Valgns (right) Pain-intermit- chronic Edema tent edema 0.57 80-90 8-10 4 Pain decreased. No edema Osteo Arthritis Phalan- Pain on digi- geal Metatarsal joints tal pressure 0.53-0.59 80-90 8 4 Pain subsided and bilateral and when stand- ache disappeared ing for short periods Osteo Arthritis right Patient felt pain ankle Pain and ach- 0.57-0.61 80-90 10 2 ache had subsided ing after walk- and further treat- ing or standing ment wasn't nec- essary Osteo Arthritis mid Pain upon Pain subsided Tarsal joints bilater- walking and 0.49-0.52 80-90 8 5 upon walking standing Arthritis-2nd right Pain on pres- Metatarsal sure (lateral) or 0.59 80-90 8 5 Motion unrestric- dorsal) flex- ted and pain free. ion and exten- Edema absorbed sion Edema Osteo Arthritis-Digital Pain and Edema both feet Pain on motion 0.49 80-90 10 5 and when re- subsided tired Edema of toes Osteo Arthritis both Pain on walk- feet ing and stand- 0.49-0.57 80-90 8 6 Pain decreased ing to point of com- fort __________________________________________________________________________

Thus it is seen that treatment in accordance with the present invention is successful in relieving the symptoms of osteo arthritis.

EXAMPLE 11

A patient suffering from a condition medically diagnosed as calcaneal spur of the left foot was treated in accordance with the present invention. Symptoms of the condition were pain upon walking and pain upon standing after rest. The foot was placed in the bath and the power was adjusted to 0.46 Watt/cm.sup.2. The frequency was between 80-90 kc. The length of each treatment was 10 minutes. At the end of the sixth treatment, the pain had completely subsided.

Patients suffering from similar conditions were treated in accordance with the present invention. The results of these treatments are summarized in Table 9.

TABLE 9 __________________________________________________________________________ PRE-TREATMENT SYMPTOMS OF POWER FREQUENCY LENGTH OF NO. OF EFFECT OF MEDICAL CONDITION WATT/cm.sup.2 (KC) TREATMENT TREATMENTS TREATMENT DIAGNOSIS (MIN) ON SYMPTOMS __________________________________________________________________________ Bitaleral Calcaneal Extreme pain on 0.46 80-90 10 11 Pain subsided, spurs standing and walking and especially after standing pro- resting vides no sensi- tivity Plantar calcaneal spur Pain on digi- tal pressure 0.62 80-90 8-10 4 Pain subsided and weight- and heel aches bearing only after ex- tensive walking Calcaneal spur(left) Pain on stand- ing,walking, 0.62 80-90 8-10 6 Pain subsided, and digital and recurs only pressure periodically after extended standing or walk- ing Calcaneal spur left Pain upon stand- foot ing and walk- 0.57 80-90 10 7 Pain subsided and ing walking and stand- creates no dis- comfort Calcaneal spur right Pain-needle 0.53 80-90 8 increas- 5 Pain subsided foot Plantarly sharp upon ed to 10 and symptom free standing or walking Calcaneal spurs- Pain upon aris- Plantarly both feet ing and on walk- 0.52 80-90 8 8 Pain subsided. ing or stand- Walks with ease. ing Bilateral Calcaneal Pain upon aris- spur Plantarly ing and walking 0.66 80-90 8-10 6 Pain ceased or standing Calcaneal spur-Plan- Standing and tarly both feet walking caused 0.64 80-90 10 6 Pain subsided extreme pain after 2nd treat- ment and patient was pain free after completion of 6th treatment Calcaneal spur left Pain on walk- Pain eased - No foot plantarly ing or standing 0.57 80-90 8 5 pain when aris- especially upon ing, walking is arising comfortable __________________________________________________________________________

Thus, it is seen that treatment in accordance with the present invention is successful in relieving the symptoms of calcaneal spurs.

EXAMPLE 12

A patient suffering from a condition medically diagnosed as Morton Neuralgia bilateral was treated in accordance with the present invention. Symptoms of the condition were pain after wearing shoes. The feet were placed in a bath and the power level was adjusted to 0.66 Watt/cm.sup.2. Frequency was between 80-90 kc. The length of each treatment was 8-10 minutes. At the end of the third treatment, the pain had decreased.

Thus, it is seen that treatment in accordance with the present invention is successful in relieving the symptoms of neuralgia.

EXAMPLE 13

A patient suffering from a condition medically diagnosed as fracture proximal phalanx of the left third toe was treated in accordance with the present invention. Symptoms of the condition were pain and edema upon weight bearing. The foot was placed in a bath and the power level was adjusted to 0.46 Watt/cm.sup.2. The frequency was between 80 and 90 kc. The length of each treatment was 8-10 minutes. At the end of the sixth treatment, the edema had been absorbed, and the pain has subsided. The patient was able to ambulate.

Patients suffering from similar conditions were treated in accordance with the present invention. The results of these treatments are summarized in Table 10.

TABLE 10 __________________________________________________________________________ PRE-TREATMENT SYMPTOMS OF POWER FREQUENCY LENGTH OF NO. OF EFFECT OF MEDICAL CONDITION WATT/cm.sup.2 (KC) TREATMENT TREATMENTS TREATMENT DIAGNOSIS (MIN) ON SYMPTOMS __________________________________________________________________________ Fracture 5th toe(right) Pain on pres- 0.61 80-90 8-10 3 Edema reduced. three wks. old. Pain sure and when No pain while and edema walking.Edema wearing foot- gear or when walking Post fracture Fibrosis Pain on weight and Edema of ankle. bearing. Edema 0.53 80-90 10 6 Ankle has motion. Left loss of motion(ex- after walking. Fibrosis dis- tension and flexion) Lack of mo- solved. Edema - tion even with eliminated and passive exer- pain free cise Fracture Proximal Pain on weight Phalanx 4th toe- bearing and 0.52 80-90 8 4 Edema subsided- Duration 3 weeks Edema Pain absent Fracture,Proximal Pha- Pain upon flex- Pain subsided- lanx right 4th toe ion and exten- 0.55 80-90 8 4 able to ambulate sion painlessly Transverse fracture 5th Pain on pres- pain subsided toe right foot Prox. sure either shoe 0.57 80-90 8 3 Phalanx or digital con- dition has been present for 2 weeks prior to treatment __________________________________________________________________________

Thus it is seen that treatment in accordance with the present invention is successful in relieving the symptoms of fractures.

EXAMPLE 14

A patient suffering from a condition medically diagnosed as adventitious bursitis metatarsal phalangeal area of the left foot was treated in accordance with the present invention. The symptoms of the condition were pain on digital pressure, and slight edema. The foot was placed in the bath, and the power level was adjusted to 0.53 Watt/cm.sup.2. The frequency was between 80-90 kc. The length of each treatment was 8 minutes. At the end of the fourth treatment, all pain and edema had subsided.

Patients suffering from similar conditions were treated in accordance with the present invention. The results of these treatments are summarized in Table 11.

TABLE 11 __________________________________________________________________________ PRE-TREATMENT SYMPTOMS OF POWER FREQUENCY LENGTH OF NO. OF EFFECT OF MEDICAL CONDITION WATT/cm.sup.2 (KC) TREATMENT TREATMENTS TREATMENT DIAGNOSIS (MIN) ON SYMPTOMS __________________________________________________________________________ Bursitis-Head of 5th Pain and Edema 0.61 80-90 8 6 Pain,Edema and Metatarsal Lt(Tailor of Area, Erthema Absol- Bunion) Erythema ved Bursitis-Navicular Pain when wear- Tubercle Lt. Foot a shoe or 0.49 80-90 8 4 Edema and pain slipper,Edema subsided. and Erythema Slight erythema present but area was gener- ally normal Bursitis sesamoid Edema and ex- 0.32 80-90 8-10 3 Absorption of right first metatarsal treme pain on edema and com- head weight-bearing plete absence of pain Adventitious Bursitis Pain on walking right foot Metatarso- Edema at the base 0.62 80-90 10 4 Edema subsided- Phalangeal joints of the toes pain subsided Bursitis front metatar- Pain on walk- sal head of first meta- ing or runn- 0.32 80-90 8-10 3 Pain subsided tarsal ing on activity Posterior Calcaneal Pain on shoe Bursitis right foot pressure as 0.70 80-90 8 5 Pain subsided well as digi- tal pressure Bursitis 5th toe left Pain upon foot beneath Kerotosed wearing any 0.57-0.61 80-90 8 6 Pain and Edema tissue and Edema shoe subsided.Shoe no longer caused pain Bursitis right foot 1st Pain when flex- Metatarsal joint ing foot or 0.66 80-90 8 6 Pain free-En- digital pres- largement did sure not reduce Bursitis-left calcaneal Chronic pain Edema subsided area Posterior or flexion or 0.41-0.49 80-90 8 5 Pain ceased on extension with motion or pres- shoe on-Edema sure Bursitis right achilles Pain on motion Motion is pain- tendon (flexion and ex- 0.32-0.41 80-90 8 5 less and full tension of foot) motion freely accomplished Posterior Calcaneal Pain and Edema Bursitis left foot left foot 0.49-0.52 80-90 8 6 Pain and Edema absorbed Bursitis-right foot Extreme pain, 5th Metatarsal head Erythema and 0.49-0.57 80-90 10 5 Pain-Edema and Edema Erythema elimi- nated Adventitious Bursitis- Pain -extreme 0.57-0.67 80-90 10 4 Pain subsided- Metatarso-Phalangeal upon standing Edema absorbed joints both feet or walking. Edema of fore- foot Bursitis right 5th meta- Edema-slight Pain free and tarsal head(known also and pain when 0.57 80-90 10 3 Edema absorbed as Tailor's Bunion) wearing shoes Posterior Calcaneal Bur- Pain-Constant 8 to 10 sitis-Bilateral and severe 0.49 80-90 gradually 9 Edema and Rubor Edema and Rubor increased absorbed and pain of the area completely sub- sided. Shoes again could be worn __________________________________________________________________________ comfortably

Thus it is seen that treatment in accordance with the present invention is successful in relieving the symptoms of bursitis.

The present invention is furthermore applicable to the treatment of other similar disorders than those specifically mentioned. Additionally, although the above examples all involve the treatment of humans, it is to be understood that the scope of the present invention encompasses the treatment of similar disorders in horses, cattle, dogs, cats and other livestock and pets. For instance, it is to be understood that a race horse suffering from a sprained knee joint could readily be treated in accordance with the present invention. This example is not meant to be limiting, however, since it is further to be understood that virtually any animal could be treated for any of the above specific disorders or similar related disorders.

It is also to be understood that the scope of the present invention encompasses the simultaneous treatment and cleaning of open wounds. As previously discussed there are great practical difficulties in thoroughly cleaning and treating open wounds. For instance, it is difficult by mere surgical debridement such as wiping or sponging of the wound to eliminate all debris or dirt therefrom. However, by employing the concept of the present invention, an open wound no matter how severe and dirty may be cleaned and treated simultaneously. Furthermore, such treatment and cleaning may be carried out more thoroughly and quickly than by any previously known method.

For instance, in this embodiment of the invention the liquid used in the bath shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may include a medication. As the bath is ultrasonically vibrated, the wound in cleaned and simultaneously the medication is applied. The power of the ultrasonic vibrations is adjusted as described above. However, in addition to the discomfort of the patient, other limitations of the power include the severity of the wound and the amount of debris and dirt in the wound.

Often times, however, it may not be desirable to subject the open wound to the liquid bath. This may be for hygienic reasons. Therefore, in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the advantages of the present treatment may be retained while isolating the open wound from the liquid in the bath. As shown in FIG. 3, open wound 20 is surrounded by an acoustically transparent container 21. Container 21 contains medication 22 which surrounds and covers wound 20 and which is also acoustically transparent. Container 21 may be made of any convenient material, the only requirement being that it be capable of transmitting acoustic vibrations. Examples of such material are polyethylene or polypropylene from 3-10 mils thick. The limb with the wound and the container are placed together in the bath. Treatment is then performed as described above. The ultrasonic oscillations are transmitted from the bath through container 21 and medication 22 to simultaneously clean and treat wound 20.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, such description is intended to be illustrative only, since many details of the performance and construction of the invention may be altered or modified without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A therapeutic treatment device comprising a bath adapted to contain a therapeutic liquid; at least one acoustic transducer means attached to said bath for conveying uniform acoustic energy through said liquid at a uniform ultrasonic frequency; means operatively connected to said transducer means to selectively adjust the power of said energy to a uniform level up to 1.0 Watt/square centimeter of surface being treated within said liquid; and an acoustically transparent container adapted to contain a medication and surround an open wound, and adapted to be immersed in said liquid.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said transducer oscillates at a frequency in the range of from 50 to 250 kilocycles.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said transducer oscillates at a frequency of 100 .+-. 20 kilocycles, and said means for adjusting power is variable between 0.30 and 0.70 Watt per square centimeter of surface within said liquid.

4. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bath is adapted in shape and size to accomodate the part of the body undergoing therapeutic treatment.

5. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bath and adjusting means are mounted on a movable cart, whereby said device is portable.

6. A method for the simultaneous treatment and cleaning of an open wound of a patient comprising placing said wound in a solution containing a medication within an acoustically transparent container surrounding said wound; placing said container in an ultrasonically oscillating bath; conveying uniform acoustic energy at a uniform ultrasonic frequency from said ultrasonically oscillating bath through said container and to said solution; and selectively adjusting the power of said energy up to the maximum comfort level of said patient while maintaining said uniform frequency, said level being no higher than 1.0 Watt/square centimeter of surface being treated in said bath.

7. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said frequency of said oscillations is in the range of from 50 to 250 kilocycles.

8. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said power is raised to from 0.30 to 0.70 Watt square centimeter of the surface of the body of said patient within said solution and the frequency of said oscillations is 100 .+-. 20 kilocycles.