Pressure ulcers
LLLT for pressure ulcers systematic review
Machado RS, Viana S, Sbruzzi G. Lasers in Medical Science. 2017.
A pressure-ulcer review found limited randomized evidence, with one 658 nm study showing significant ulcer reduction.
Evidence grade
very-low
Effect direction
mixed
Panel relevance
not-panel-replicable
Key findings
- Only four randomized studies were included.
- One study found 71% pressure-ulcer reduction and 47% complete healing after 1 month with 658 nm LLT.
- The review found no evidence supporting wavelengths above 658 nm or probe-cluster approaches for pressure ulcers.
Protocol details
| Wavelengths | 658, 808, 904, 940 nm |
|---|---|
| Irradiance | Not reported mW/cm2 |
| Fluence | Not reported J/cm2 |
| Session time | Not reported minutes |
| Frequency | Clinical wound protocol-specific |
| Duration | One positive study assessed 1 month of therapy |
| Treatment area | Pressure ulcers |
| Device type | Low-level laser therapy |
Caveats
- Pressure ulcers require medical wound care.
- Evidence is very small and not suitable for home-panel protocols.