Which condition is a contraindication to ultrasound therapy?

• A. Pregnancy
• B. Adequate protective sensation
• C. Healed fracture
• D. Epiphyseal plates closed

Answer: (A)

Ultrasound therapy carries heating and mechanical effects that can affect nearby tissues. Pregnancy is a contraindication because applying ultrasound to the abdomen or pelvic area could heat the uterus or fetus, and there isn’t assurance of safety for fetal development. To protect the developing pregnancy, ultrasound is avoided in pregnant patients.

Protective sensation being adequate means the patient can feel heat and pain, which helps prevent burns and isn’t a reason to withhold treatment. A healed fracture indicates the bone has recovered and isn’t at risk from the therapy in that context. Closed epiphyseal plates mean growth plates have fused; the risk with ultrasound is greatest when epiphyseal plates are open in children, so closed plates do not present a contraindication.