The Melmak LIPUS device is a convenient 20 minute, once per day treatment shown to accelerate the healing:

  • Fresh fractures by 38%
  • Delayed/Non-union fractures by 86%

Once positioned over the fracture site, operating the Melmak device takes a simple press of a button.

The Melmak LIPUS device has provided proven results for over 20 years, with no known side effects.
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LIPUS TECHNOLOGY

How Melmak works

The Melmak device  utilizes LIPUS techonolgy. LIPUS is an acronym for ‘Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound.’

Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) is a non-invasive ultrasound techonolgy that is administered directly against the skin, sending a painless mechanical force through the tissue to stimulate the bone to heal.

This process activates cell- reproduction and protein expression and enhances cellular behaviour at the fracture site.

EVIDENCE-BASED TECHNOLOGY

Proven Results backed by Science

The Melmak device has over 20 years of proven results with no known side effects. Melmak is designed to accelerate bone formulation and entered in the TGA (ARTG 297398) as a Class IIA Medical device.

What do the studies show?

Studies using commercially available LIPUS devices have shown that, on average, fresh fractures will heal 38% faster than fractures that have not been treated with ultrasound.

This is dependent on the type and location of the fracture. LIPUS has proven to heal non-union fractures by 86%.

  • Acceleration of fracture healing

    Pilla et al, Non-invasive low-intensity pulsed ultrasound accelerates bone healing in the rabbit. The Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, Vol 4, No 3, 1990: pp 246-253

    Results:  Ultrasound treated bone as strong in torsion as intact fibulae, increased periosteal reaction

    Results Technical Specifications of LIPUS Device:  f = 1.5 MHz  |  tp = 200 μs  |  REF = 1 KHz  |  le = 30 mW/cm²

  • Rate of healing of bone defect

    Walsh et al, Effect of Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on Healing of an Ulna Defect Filled with a Bone Graft Substitute. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials, 86B, 2008: pp 74–81

    Results:  LIPUS resulted in more new bone growth at wk 4 and 12 compared to control and increased VEGF expression

    Results Technical Specifications of LIPUS Device:  f = 1.5 ± 5% MHz  |  tp = 200 ± 10% μs  |  REF = 1 ± 10% KHz  |  le = 30 ± 30% mW/cm²

  • Rate of healing at tendon/bone junction

    Pilla et al, Non-invasive low-intensity pulsed ultrasound accelerates bone healing in the rabbit. The Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, Vol 4, No 3, 1990: pp 246-253

    Results:  LIPUS resulted in improved ability to withstand increased load at tendon/bone junction

    Results Technical Specifications of LIPUS Device:  f = 1.5 MHz  |  tp = 200 μs  |  REF = 1 KHz  |  le = 30 mW/cm²

  • Effect of LIPUS on rate of fracture healing

    Siska et al, External adjuncts to enhance fracture healing: What is the role of ultrasound? Injury Journal. 2008 Oct.39 (10): pp 1095-1105

    Results:  Safe, practical and effective treatment

    Results Technical Specifications of LIPUS Device:   f = 1.5 MHz  |  tp = 200 μs  |  REF = 1 KHz  |  le = 30 mW/cm²

  • Time to fracture healing

    Busse et al, The effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy on time to fracture healing: a meta-analysis. CMAJ. 2002 Feb 19;166(4): pp 437- 441

    Results:  LIPUS may significantly reduce the time to fracture healing for fractures treated non operatively 

    Results Technical Specifications of LIPUS Device:   f = 1.5 ± 5% MHz  |  tp = 200 ± 10% μs  |  REF = 1 ± 10% KHz  |  le = 30 ± 30% mW/cm²

 

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Pre Clinical Studies

LIPUS Clinical Evidence

 

Of the estimated 156,000 fractures resulting from poor bone health within a year in Australia ,approximately 5-10% demonstrate delayed healing or non-union, a figure that is set to increase as the survival rate for people with serious injuries improves. These delayed or non-healing fractures put a strain on both people, their families and the health care system, often leading to long-term complications that have a high monetary, psychological and physiological cost.

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INDICATION FOR USE

Is Melmak right for you?

Specifically designed for self-treatment, LIPUS devices can be used in the comfort of your own home or office with no supervision from a medical professional.

Only 20 minutes per day is proven to advance the healing of fresh, delayed, and non-union fractures.

Fractures the Melmak device can treat:

  • Humerus / Radius
  • Scaphoid/Hand/Wrist
  • Femur, Tibia & Fibula
  • Foot & Ankle
  • Clavicle

Melmak can help those with additional risk factors such as:

  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Osteoporosis
  • Advanced age
  • High impact fractures
  • High-risk fractures
  • Concomitant medications
  • NSAID use (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

*The Melmak Device can only be prescribed by a Physician or other health professional.

 

How to get Melmak?

Melmak devices are available to patients directly or through a healthcare provider.
  • Ask your Doctor for Melmak
  • Get fitted with the device
  • Start using Melmak from home
REnt a melmak contact us to discuss
  • Request for a Clinician pack
  • Contact us for more information
  • Start prescribing Melmak
Read some clinical studies Technical specifications More info? contact us

Why Melmak?

Over 20 years of proven results. Regain your quality of life with risk-free relief.

  • Convenient 20 min/day treatment
  • Painless & non-invasive treatment
  • Proven results backed by clinical studies
  • Small, portable device that can be used in the home, office or on the road
  • Effective healing for delayed & non-union fractures
  • Accelerated fracture & fusion healing
  • Faster treatment of stress fractures
  • Safe treatment following joint fusion & osteotomy

FAQ

Yes, the Melmak bone growth stimulator is a non-invasive treatment that does not hurt or cause any harm to the body. Most patients do not feel any sensation on the skin, while a few might experience a slight tingly feeling.

The device is not advised for individuals who have pacemakers. If you have a pacemaker, please consult with your doctor or cardiologist first. This device should only be used as prescribed by your health professional.

Please see the question above. Your answer will depend on the location of the fracture. Please consult with your doctor or cardiologist.

Most private insurance companies cover the cost of a bone growth stimulator. As part of our service offering, we handle insurance claims from checking on your coverage, submitting estimates, and direct billing when applicable. We also handle claims with third-party insurance companies.

Clinical studies have proven that one single 20-minute treatment per day is effective in healing the fracture site. Multiple treatments have shown no additional benefits.

You can still use the bone growth stimulator if you have a cast over the fracture site. A window can be cut out of the cast enabling the device to be placed on the fracture site.

You should start treatment immediately to improve healing time, but there is no specific period of when you should or shouldn’t start treatment. If the fracture is a non-union, the bone growth stimulator can still increase the healing time.

No, the device must be in contact with the skin that surrounds the fracture site.

Approximately 10% of all fractures will develop into a delayed or non-union fracture. When a broken bone fails to heal its call a “non-union.” Typically a fracture will be considered non-union or delayed at the 6-8 week mark from the initial fracture date or if the physician is not satisfied with the amount of healing that’s occurred over a period of time.

Due to the extremely low frequency, most patients feel nothing at all.

There are no known contraindications for the Melmak bone growth stimulator. Worthy of note is that both safety and effectiveness have not been studied in individuals whose bones are still growing, pregnant and/or nursing women, people with pacemakers, patients with cancer or patients with poor blood circulation or clotting issues. There have been several cases (very few) where individuals are sensitive to the gel. Alternatives can be found for these individuals. It is recommended that you consult your doctor at all times.

Every Melmak device is tested and inspected to meet standards. You can rest assured that if the device is adequately charged and begins to countdown from 20:00 min to 0:00 that it is working correctly. If you have any questions or concerns, one of our CSR would be happy to assist you.

The Melmak device is indicated for the treatment of fresh bone-fractures and established non-unions. Treatment list includes:

  • Delayed and non-unions
  • Fresh fractures
  • Stress fractures
  • Repair post bone transport procedures
  • Repair post osteotomy
  • Joint fusions
  • Revision surgeries
  • Bunion surgery
  • Accelerating repair in distraction osteogenesis procedures

This list excludes the treatment of the skull and the vertebral column.

Many different risk factors can affect bone healing. Some of the most common are:

  • Age
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Concomitant medications
  • Vascular insufficiency
  • NSAID use
  • Osteoporosis
  • Fracture location (jones, clavicle, scaphoid, comminuted and butterfly factures)
  • Severity of trauma

Melmak is safe to use with all metal fixation. Test results using significantly higher intensity ultrasound than delivered by Melmack therapy have shown no significant temperature increases and no damage or retardation of healing. The Melmak bone healing system does not affect the stability of the screws.

There are no known contraindications for the use of the Melmak device. Some patients may be sensitive to the ultrasound gel, for those who do, alternatives can be obtained.

The Melmak device uses a very low intensity in a pulsed cycle, making it inherently safe as it is non-thermal and non-cavitating. The device has similar intensity to fetal sonography and is much lower intensity than physical therapy ultrasound.

Quick Start Guide

Easy Operations

Refer to the Melmak Instruction Guides for detailed guidance.

Step 3

Apply ultrasound gel on Melmak Transducer.

Step 1

Physician will need to mark fracture site requiring treatment.

Step 4

Place the Melmak Transducer into the holder and close cap.

Step 2

Place strap with Transducer holder over fracture site and secure in place.

Step 5

Turn On Melmak device to start treatment.

Download User Manual

Melmak Patient User Manual (English).

  1. Download and complete the Melmak Rental Form. This form is not a commitment and can be cancelled.
  2. You will be contacted by RehaCare Customer Service to go over the details and guide you through the process.
  3. Monthly rental is available for $330.00 inc gst on the first month then $275.00 inc gst for the following months.
  4. You should receive your Melmak unit a day before the rental period is due to start.
  5. When the rental period is coming to an end we will contact you to either extend the rental period or organise a pick up for return.

Download

Melmak Rental Form

Letter of Medical Necessity for Insurance Claims