Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for chronic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder: single blind study

Effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for rotator cuff injury: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Rotator cuff injury (RCI) is a common musculoskeletal ailment and a major cause of shoulder pain and limited functionality. The ensuing pain and restricted movement significantly impact overall quality of life. This study aims to systematically review the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on RCI.

METHODS

This protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols. A literature search, spanning inception to November 1, 2023, will include databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBSCO, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) to identify ESWT studies for RCI treatment. Excluding retrospectives, bias risk will be assessed with the Cochrane tool. Two researchers will independently screen, extract data, and evaluate bias risk. Revman 5.3 software will be used for data analysis.

RESULTS

This study aims to objectively and comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of randomized controlled trials of ESWT in the treatment of RCI, and analyze in detail the effect of ESWT in the treatment of RCI. Results will be analyzed using the Pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Constant-Murley score, University of California Los Angeles score (UCLA), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons form (ASES). If applicable, subgroup analysis will also be performed to divide patients into groups according to the energy level of ESWT, the time of intervention, and the degree of tearing of RCI. Finally, the results are submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

There is existing evidence suggesting that ESWT may contribute to the amelioration of pain and functional limitations associated with Rotator Cuff Injury (RCI). This systematic review aims to update, consolidate, and critically evaluate relevant evidence on the effects of ESWT for RCI. The anticipated outcomes may serve as a valuable reference for clinical ESWT practices, covering treatment methods, timing, and intensity. Moreover, this review aspires to provide high-quality evidence addressing the impact of ESWT on RCI-related pain. Simultaneously, the findings of this systematic review are poised to offer guidance to clinicians and rehabilitation therapists. This guidance is intended to enhance the management of pain and functional impairments experienced by individuals with RCI, ultimately leading to improvements in their physical well-being.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Protocol registration number CRD42023441407. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023441407.

Effect of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for rotator cuff tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT) is a widespread musculoskeletal disorder and a primary cause of shoulder pain and limited function. The resulting pain and limited functionality have a detrimental impact on the overall quality of life. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for RCT.

METHODS

The literature search was conducted on the following databases from inception to February 20, 2024: PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBSCO, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were checked to identify the potential studies exploring the effect of ESWT for the treatment of Rotator cuff tendinopathy (Calcification or non-calcification), control group for sham, other treatments (including placebo), without restriction of date, language. Two researchers independently screened literature, extracted data, evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies, and performed meta-analysis using RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

A total of 16 RCTs with 1093 patients were included. The results showed that compared with the control group, ESWT for pain score Visual Analogue Scale/Score (VAS) (SMD = -1.95, 95% CI -2.47, -1.41, P < 0.00001), function score Constant-Murley score (CMS) (SMD = 1.30, 95% CI 0.67, 1.92, P < 0.00001), University of California Los Angeles score (UCLA) (SMD = 2.69, 95% CI 1.64, 3.74, P < 0.00001), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons form (ASES) (SMD = 1.29, 95% CI 0.93, 1.65, P < 0.00001), Range of motion (ROM) External rotation (SMD = 1.00, 95% CI 0.29, 1.72, P = 0.02), Total effective rate (TER) (OR = 3.64, 95% CI 1.85, 7.14, P = 0.0002), the differences in the above results were statistically significant. But ROM-Abduction (SMD = 0.72, 95% CI -0.22, 1.66, P = 0.13), the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Currently limited evidence suggests that, compared with the control group, ESWT can provide better pain relief, functional recovery, and maintenance of function in patients with RCT.

Systematic literature review to inform the EULAR recommendations for the use of imaging in crystal-induced arthropathies in clinical practice

OBJECTIVE

To summarise current data regarding the use of imaging in crystal-induced arthropathies (CiAs) informing a European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology task force.

METHODS

We performed four systematic searches in Embase, Medline and Central on imaging for diagnosis, monitoring, prediction of disease severity/treatment response, guiding procedures and patient education in gout, calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition (CPPD) and basic calcium phosphate deposition (BCPD). Records were screened, manuscripts reviewed and data of the included studies extracted. The risk of bias was assessed by validated instruments.

RESULTS

For gout, 88 studies were included. Diagnostic studies reported good to excellent sensitivity and specificity of dual-energy CT (DECT) and ultrasound (US), high specificity and lower sensitivity for conventional radiographs (CR) and CT. Longitudinal studies demonstrated sensitivity to change with regard to crystal deposition by US and DECT and inflammation by US and structural progression by CR and CT. For CPPD, 50 studies were included. Diagnostic studies on CR and US showed high specificity and variable sensitivity. There was a single study on monitoring, while nine assessed the prediction in CPPD. For BCPD, 56 studies were included. There were two diagnostic studies, while monitoring by CR and US was assessed in 43 studies, showing a reduction in crystal deposition. A total of 12 studies with inconsistent results assessed the prediction of treatment response. The search on patient education retrieved two studies, suggesting a potential role of DECT.

CONCLUSION

This SLR confirmed a relevant and increasing role of imaging in the field of CiAs.

Radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT) for coccydynia: a prospective study of 14 patients

Background

Coccydynia is defined as pain in the coccyx. We investigated the effect of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT) in the management of coccydynia.

Methods

In this prospective study, patients (≥18 years) diagnosed with coccydynia at a sports clinic located in Thessaloniki, Greece, were eligible for rESWT treatment when they reported a visual analogue scale (VAS) pain level ≥6. Treatment sessions were once weekly and ended when VAS pain levels decreased to ≤3. Recurrence rates were documented at 3-month and 12-month follow-ups.

Results

Fourteen patients were treated using rESWT. The mean age and symptom duration of our cohort was 33.6±7.9 (range: 20-45) years and 9.4±8.5 (range: 3-36) months, respectively. The mean number of treatment sessions per patient was 6.4±1.6 (range: 4-8). The mean device pressure, frequency, and number of pulses was 1.2±0.1 (range: 1-1.4) bar, 5.0±0.1 (range: 5-6) Hz, and 2082±74.8 (range: 2000-2300) pulses, respectively. Treatment alleviated pain in all patients, and no recurrence of symptoms was reported during follow-up. There was a positive correlation between symptom duration and the number of treatment sessions (r=0.701, P=0.005). Pairwise comparison highlighted significant reductions in VAS pain levels between each stage of treatment (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Our study affirms the safety and efficacy of rESWT in managing coccydynia.

Comparing Ultrasound-Guided Needling Combined With a Subacromial Corticosteroid Injection Versus High-Energy Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Calcific Tendinitis of the Rotator Cuff: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

To compare clinical and radiographic outcomes after treatment with standardized high-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and ultrasound-guided needling (UGN) in patients with symptomatic calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff who were nonresponsive to conservative treatment.

METHODS

The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. The ESWT group received ESWT (2000 pulses, energy flux density 0.35 mJ/mm²) in 4 sessions with 1-week intervals. UGN was combined with a corticosteroid ultrasound-guided subacromial bursa injection. Shoulder function was assessed at standardized follow-up intervals (6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months) using the Constant Murley Score (CMS), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, and visual analog scale for pain and satisfaction. The size, location, and morphology of the deposits were evaluated on radiographs. The a priori sample size calculation computed that 44 participants randomized in each treatment group was required to achieve a power of 80%.

RESULTS

Eighty-two patients were treated (56 female, 65%; mean age 52.1 ± 9 years) with a mean baseline CMS of 66.8 ± 12 and mean calcification size of 15.1 ± 4.7 mm. One patient was lost to follow-up. At 1-year follow-up, the UGN group showed similar results as the ESWT group with regard to the change from baseline CMS (20.9 vs 15.7; P = .23), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (-20.1 vs -20.7; P = .78), and visual analog scale for pain (-3.9 and -2.6; P = .12). The mean calcification size decreased by 13 ± 3.9 mm in the UGN group and 6.7 ± 8.2 mm in the ESWT group (<P = .001). In total, 22% of the UGN and 41% of the ESWT patients received an additional treatment during follow-up because of persistent symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This RCT compares the clinical and radiographic results of UGN and high-energy ESWT in the treatment of calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff. Both techniques are successful in improving function and pain, with high satisfaction rates after 1-year follow-up. However, UGN is more effective in eliminating the calcific deposit, and the amount of additional treatments was greater in the ESWT group.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II, randomized controlled trial.

The effects of shockwave therapy on musculoskeletal conditions based on changes in imaging: a systematic review and meta-analysis with meta-regression

BACKGROUND

Shockwave therapy (SWT) is a commonly used intervention for a number of musculoskeletal conditions with varying clinical outcomes. However, the capacity of SWT to influence pathophysiological processes and the morphology of affected tissues remains unclear. The objective of the current review is to evaluate changes in imaging outcomes of musculoskeletal conditions following SWT.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of Medline, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, CINAHL and SportDiscus was conducted from inception to October 2018. Prospective clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of SWT based on changes in imaging outcomes were eligible for inclusion. Articles were evaluated independently for risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias list and the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies. Random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression with a priori determined covariates was conducted for each condition to determine potential predictors of SWT effects.

RESULTS

Sixty-three studies were included, with data from 27 studies available for effect size pooling. Meta-analyses and meta-regression on imaging outcomes were performed for rotator cuff calcific tendinitis (n = 11), plantar fasciitis (n = 7) and osteonecrosis of the femoral head (n = 9). There was an overall reduction in the size of measured lesion following SWT (MD 8.44 mm (95%CI -4.30, 12.57), p < 0.001) for calcium deposit diameter, (MD 0.92 mm (95%CI -0.03, 1.81), p = 0.04) for plantar fascia thickness and (MD 4.84% (95%CI -0.06, 9.75), p = 0.05) for lesion size in femoral head osteonecrosis. Meta-regression showed no influence of SWT dosage parameters, however, baseline lesion size was an independent predictor for changes in imaging outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

SWT altered the morphology of musculoskeletal conditions, potentially reflecting changes in underlying pathophysiological processes. The parameters of SWT dosage are not significant predictors of changes in imaging outcomes. Lack of adequate reporting of imaging outcomes limited the conclusions that could be drawn from the current review. Registration number: PROSPERO CRD42018091140.

Shock wave therapy for rotator cuff disease with or without calcification

BACKGROUND

Shock wave therapy has seen widespread use since the 1990s to treat various musculoskeletal disorders including rotator cuff disease, but evidence of its efficacy remains equivocal.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the benefits and harms of shock wave therapy for rotator cuff disease, with or without calcification, and to establish its usefulness in the context of other available treatment options.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO ICTRP up to November 2019, with no restrictions on language. We reviewed the reference lists of retrieved trials to identify potentially relevant trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) that used quasi-randomised methods to allocate participants, investigating participants with rotator cuff disease with or without calcific deposits. We included trials of comparisons of extracorporeal or radial shock wave therapy versus any other intervention. Major outcomes were pain relief greater than 30%, mean pain score, function, patient-reported global assessment of treatment success, quality of life, number of participants experiencing adverse events and number of withdrawals due to adverse events.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected studies for inclusion, extracted data and assessed the certainty of evidence using GRADE. The primary comparison was shock wave therapy compared to placebo.

MAIN RESULTS

Thirty-two trials (2281 participants) met our inclusion criteria. Most trials (25) included participants with rotator cuff disease and calcific deposits, five trials included participants with rotator cuff disease and no calcific deposits, and two trials included a mixed population of participants with and without calcific deposits. Twelve trials compared shock wave therapy to placebo, 11 trials compared high-dose shock wave therapy (0.2 mJ/mm² to 0.4 mJ/mm² and above) to low-dose shock wave therapy. Single trials compared shock wave therapy to ultrasound-guided glucocorticoid needling, ultrasound-guided hyaluronic acid injection, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS), no treatment or exercise; dual session shock wave therapy to single session therapy; and different delivery methods of shock wave therapy. Our main comparison was shock wave therapy versus placebo and results are reported for the 3 month follow up. All trials were susceptible to bias; including selection (74%), performance (62%), detection (62%), and selective reporting (45%) biases. No trial measured participant-reported pain relief of 30%. However, in one trial (74 participants), at 3 months follow up, 14/34 participants reported pain relief of 50% or greater with shock wave therapy compared with 15/40 with placebo (risk ratio (RR) 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62 to 1.94); low-quality evidence (downgraded for bias and imprecision). Mean pain (0 to 10 scale, higher scores indicate more pain) was 3.02 points in the placebo group and 0.78 points better (0.17 better to 1.4 better; clinically important change was 1.5 points) with shock wave therapy (9 trials, 608 participants), moderate-quality evidence (downgraded for bias). Mean function (scale 0 to 100, higher scores indicate better function) was 66 points with placebo and 7.9 points better (1.6 better to 14 better, clinically important difference 10 points) with shock wave therapy (9 trials, 612 participants), moderate-quality evidence (downgraded for bias). Participant-reported success was reported by 58/150 people in shock wave therapy group compared with 35/137 people in placebo group (RR 1.59, 95% CI 0.87 to 2.91; 6 trials, 287 participants), low-quality evidence (downgraded for bias and imprecision). None of the trials measured quality of life. Withdrawal rate or adverse event rates may not differ between extracorporeal shock wave therapy and placebo, but we are uncertain due to the small number of events. There were 11/34 withdrawals in the extracorporeal shock wave therapy group compared with 13/40 withdrawals in the placebo group (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.31; 7 trials, 581 participants) low-quality evidence (downgraded for bias and imprecision); and 41/156 adverse events with extracorporeal shock wave therapy compared with 10/139 adverse events in the placebo group (RR 3.61, 95% CI 2.00 to 6.52; 5 trials, 295 participants) low-quality evidence (downgraded for bias and imprecision). Subgroup analyses indicated that there were no between-group differences in pain and function outcomes in participants who did or did not have calcific deposits in the rotator cuff.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based upon the currently available low- to moderate-certainty evidence, there were very few clinically important benefits of shock wave therapy, and uncertainty regarding its safety. Wide clinical diversity and varying treatment protocols means that we do not know whether or not some trials tested subtherapeutic doses, possibly underestimating any potential benefits. Further trials of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for rotator cuff disease should be based upon a strong rationale and consideration of whether or not they would alter the conclusions of this review. A standard dose and treatment protocol should be decided upon before further research is conducted. Development of a core set of outcomes for trials of rotator cuff disease and other shoulder disorders would also facilitate our ability to synthesise the evidence.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Treatment in Upper Limb Diseases: A Systematic Review

Background: Rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT), subacromial impingement (SAIS), and medial (MEP) and lateral (LEP) epicondylitis are the most common causes of upper limb pain caused by microtrauma and degeneration. There are several therapeutic choices to manage these disorders: extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has become a valuable option.

METHODS

A systematic review of two electronic medical databases was performed by two independent authors, using the following inclusion criteria: RCT, SAIS, MEP, and LEP, ESWT therapy without surgical treatment, with symptoms duration more than 2 months, and at least 6 months of follow-up. Studies of any level of evidence, reporting clinical results, and dealing with ESWT therapy and RCT, SAIS, MEP, and LEP were included.

RESULTS

A total of 822 articles were found. At the end of the first screening, following the previously described selection criteria, we selected 186 articles eligible for full-text reading. Ultimately, after full-text reading, and reference list check, we selected 26 articles following previously written criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

ESWT is a safe and effective treatment of soft tissue diseases of the upper limbs. Even in the minority cases when unsatisfied results were recorded, high energy shockwaves were nevertheless suggested in prevision of surgical treatment.

Calcific deposit needling in combination with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT): A proposed treatment for supraspinatus calcified tendinopathy

Background: Calcified tendinopathy of the rotator cuff is one of the most common conditions concerning the shoulder pathology. It is characterized by a reactive calcification that affects the tendons being part of the rotator cuff. The reported prevalence varies from 2.7% to 22%. Most of the patients can be treated effectively with non-operative measures such as anti-inflammatory drugs, subacromial injection of steroid, physiotherapy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and needle aspiration irrigation. Results of a treatment combining some of these methods have not been reported.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to present the radiological as well as the clinical results of our proposed protocol which combines drilling of the calcium deposits with xylocaine under ultrasound guidance, with a specific program of physiotherapy for 1 month without the use of NSAIDs.

Methods: Sixty-six consecutive patients (68 shoulders) were treated for calcified tendinitis of supraspinatus, which was diagnosed clinically and radiologically, with needle drilling using xylocaine under ultrasound guidance. After the drilling the patient followed a physiotherapy protocol with ESWT which included five visits within a month. After the end of the physiotherapy, the patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score were measured before and after the end of the therapy.

Results: All the patients showed clinical improvement of the symptoms at the follow-up. The mean VAS score showed improvement from 8.1 to 3.3 whereas the mean DASH score was 27 and after the end of the therapy 5. Radiologically all but one calcific deposits were disappeared.

Conclusions: The ultrasound-guided drilling of the calcific deposit using xylocaine, in combination with physiotherapy using ESWT provides a reliable alternative treatment for the calcific tendinitis of the supraspinatus

Effectiveness and Safety of Shockwave Therapy in Tendinopathies

Introduction:

People suffering from tendinopathies exhibit reduced mobility due to the pain caused by the movement of the tendons involved. Recently, shockwave therapy has been used as a treatment option, which is non-invasive, simpler, faster and safer.

Aims:

To record the intensity of the pain, the functionality of the upper and lower limbs and quality of life before treatment with shock waves, immediately after the treatment and the 4-week follow-up.

Methodology:

The sample consisted of 384 patients, suffering from a tendinopathy. 326 patients constituted the shockwave intervention groups and 58 patients made up the control groups. The researchers created a self-administered questionnaire (University of Peloponnese Pain, Functionality and Quality of Life Questionnaire) in which the intensity of pain, functionality and quality of life were evaluated on a five-point Likert scale, before, immediately after the treatment and at a 4-week follow-up.

Results:

The pain reduction and the improvement of functionality and quality of life after shockwave treatment increased by at least two points on the five-point Likert scale both post-treatment (p<0,001) and at a 4-week follow-up (p<0,001) compared to post-treatment in elbow tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis and rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Conclusions:

Shockwave therapy significantly reduced the pain that accompanies tendinopathies and improves functionality and quality of life. It might be first choice because of its effectiveness and safety.

Is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Combined With Isokinetic Exercise More Effective Than Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Alone for Subacromial Impingement Syndrome? A Randomized Clinical Trial

Study Design Single-blind randomized trial. Background Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has been shown to produce good results in the treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS). The efficacy of a combined administration of ESWT and isokinetic exercise (IE) has not yet been studied. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of focused ESWT combined with IE for the rotator cuff versus focused ESWT alone in the treatment of SAIS. The secondary objective was to assess the isokinetic torque recovery (external rotation at 210°/s, 180°/s, and 120°/s). Methods Thirty participants with SAIS were randomly assigned to a focused-ESWT group or focused ESWT-plus-IE group. Subjects of both groups received 3 treatment sessions of focused ESWT over a period of 10 days. Participants in the second group also received IE for 10 therapy sessions. Outcome measures were the Constant-Murley score (CMS), the visual analog scale (VAS), and isokinetic parameters (peak torque and total work calculated from 5 repetitions) measured with the isokinetic test. Subjects were assessed at baseline, 10 days after the last treatment session with focused ESWT, and after 2 months of follow-up. Results At 2 months posttreatment, participants in the focused ESWT-plus-IE group showed significantly less pain (focused-ESWT VAS, 3.4 ± 0.8 versus focused ESWT-plus-IE VAS, 1.5 ± 0.5; P<.001) and greater improvement in functionality (focused-ESWT CMS, 75.9 ± 6.7 versus focused ESWT-plus-IE CMS, 92.1 ± 6.3; P<.001) and muscle endurance than the subjects in the focused-ESWT group. Conclusion In subjects with SAIS, combined administration of focused ESWT and IE for the rotator cuff resulted in greater reduction of pain, as well as superior functional recovery and muscle endurance in the short to medium term, compared with ESWT alone. Level of evidence Therapy, 2b.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

unregistered 2011 trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(9):714-725. Epub 5 Aug 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.4629.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, ultrasound-guided percutaneous lavage, corticosteroid injection and combined treatment for the treatment of rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy: a network meta-analysis of RCTs

Treatment of calcific tendinitis using extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), ultrasound-guided percutaneous lavage (UGPL or barbotage), subacromial corticosteroid injection (SAI) and combined treatment is still controversial. This systematic review and meta-regression aimed to compare clinical outcomes between treatments. Relevant RCTs were identified using PubMed and Scopus search engines to date of September 23, 2015. Seven of 920 studies identified were eligible. Compared to the other treatments, the results of this study indicate that ESWT significantly improved CMS and VAS when compared to placebo. Barbotage plus ESWT significantly improved CMS, VAS and decreased size of calcium deposit when compared to ESWT, while barbotage plus SAI significantly improved CMS and decreased size of calcium deposit when compared to SAI. There have no different adverse effects of all treatment groups. Multiple active treatment comparisons indicated that barbotage plus SAI significantly improved VAS and size of calcium deposit when compared to other groups, while barbotage plus SAI improved CMS when compared to other groups. But there was no significant difference. The network meta-analysis suggested that combined US-guided needling and subacromial corticosteroid injection significantly decreased shoulder pain VAS, improved CMS score and decreased the size of calcium deposits, while also lowering risks of adverse event when compared to barbotage plus ESWT, ESWT and subacromial corticosteroid injection; therefore, the evidence points to UGPL as being the treatment of choice for nonsurgical options of treatment in calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. Level of evidence I.

In-vitro cell treatment with focused shockwaves-influence of the experimental setup on the sound field and biological reaction

Background

To improve understanding of shockwave therapy mechanisms, in vitro experiments are conducted and the correlation between cell reaction and shockwave parameters like the maximum pressure or energy density is studied. If the shockwave is not measured in the experimental setup used, it is usually assumed that the device’s shockwave parameters (=manufacturer’s free field measurements) are valid. But this applies only for in vitro setups which do not modify the shockwave, e.g., by reflection or refraction. We hypothesize that most setups used for in vitro shockwave experiments described in the literature influence the sound field significantly so that correlations between the physical parameters and the biological reaction are not valid.

Methods

To reveal the components of common shockwave in vitro setups which mainly influence the sound field, 32 publications with 37 setups used for focused shockwave experiments were reviewed and evaluated regarding cavitation, cell container material, focal sound field size relative to cell model size, and distance between treated cells and air. For further evaluation of the severity of those influences, experiments and calculations were conducted.

Results

In 37 setups, 17 different combinations of coupling, cell container, and cell model are described. The setup used mainly is a transducer coupled via water to a tube filled with a cell suspension. As changes of the shockwaves’ maximum pressure of 11 % can already induce changes of the biological reaction, the sound field and biological reactions are mainly disturbed by use of standard cell containers, use of coupling gel, air within the 5 MPa focal zone, and cell model sizes which are bigger than half the −6 dB focal dimensions.

Conclusions

Until now, correct and sufficient information about the shockwave influencing cells in vitro is only provided in 1 of 32 publications. Based on these findings, guidelines for improved in vitro setups are proposed which help minimize the influence of the setup on the sound field.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40349-016-0053-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The Effectiveness of High-Energy Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Versus Ultrasound-Guided Needling Versus Arthroscopic Surgery in the Management of Chronic Calcific Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

The objectives of this comprehensive quantitative review of the treatment of calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff were to investigate if there is a sustainable positive effect on outcomes after treatment with high-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) or ultrasound (US)-guided needling and to compare these results with those of treatment with arthroscopic surgery.

METHODS

The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed to conduct this review. A systematic literature search was conducted in December 2014 to identify relevant clinical articles in peer-reviewed journals with at least 6 months' follow-up. Each article was scored using the Coleman Methodology Score. The primary endpoints were functional outcome and radiologic change in the size of the calcific deposit.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies were included (1,258 shoulders). The mean Coleman Methodology Score for the included studies was 77.1 ± 9.1. Overall, good to excellent clinical outcomes were achieved after treatment with either high-energy ESWT, US-guided needling, or arthroscopic surgery, with an improvement in the Constant-Murley score ranging between 26.3 and 41.5 points after 1 year. No severe side effects or long-term complications were encountered.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients can achieve good to excellent clinical outcomes after high-energy ESWT, US-guided needling, and arthroscopy for calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder. Side effects and post-treatment complications should be taken into account when a decision is being made for each individual patient. Physicians should consider high-energy ESWT and US-guided needling as minimally invasive treatment options when primary conservative treatment fails. Arthroscopy can safely be used as a very effective but more invasive secondary option, although the extent of deposit removal and the additional benefit of subacromial decompression remain unclear.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level I, II, and IV studies.

Evaluation and nonsurgical management of rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy

Rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy is a common finding that accounts for about 7% of patients with shoulder pain. There are numerous theories on the pathogenesis of rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy. The diagnosis is confirmed with radiography, MRI or ultrasound. There are numerous conservative treatment options available and most patients can be managed successfully without surgical intervention. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and multiple modalities are often used to manage pain and inflammation; physical therapy can help improve scapular mechanics and decrease dynamic impingement; ultrasound-guided needle aspiration and lavage techniques can provide long-term improvement in pain and function in these patients.

Effectiveness of passive physical modalities for shoulder pain: systematic review by the Ontario protocol for traffic injury management collaboration

BACKGROUND

Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal condition in the general population. Passive physical modalities are commonly used to treat shoulder pain. However, previous systematic reviews reported conflicting results.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of passive physical modalities for the management of soft tissue injuries of the shoulder.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from January 1, 1990, to April 18, 2013.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort and case-control studies were eligible. Random pairs of independent reviewers screened 1,470 of 1,760 retrieved articles after removing 290 duplicates. Twenty-two articles were eligible for critical appraisal. Eligible studies were critically appraised using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria. Of those, 11 studies had a low risk of bias.

DATA EXTRACTION

The lead author extracted data from low risk of bias studies and built evidence tables. A second reviewer independently checked the extracted data.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The findings of studies with a low risk of bias were synthesized according to principles of best evidence synthesis. Pretensioned tape, ultrasound, and interferential current were found to be noneffective for managing shoulder pain. However, diathermy and corticosteroid injections led to similar outcomes. Low-level laser therapy provided short-term pain reduction for subacromial impingement syndrome. Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy was not effective for subacromial impingement syndrome but provided benefits for persistent shoulder calcific tendinitis.

LIMITATIONS

Non-English studies were excluded.

CONCLUSIONS

Most passive physical modalities do not benefit patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. However, low-level laser therapy is more effective than placebo or ultrasound for subacromial impingement syndrome. Similarly, shock-wave therapy is more effective than sham therapy for persistent shoulder calcific tendinitis.

Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for orthopedic conditions: a systematic review on studies listed in the PEDro database

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is an effective and safe non-invasive treatment option for tendon and other pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.

SOURCES OF DATA

This systematic review used data derived from the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro; www.pedro.org.au, 23 October 2015, date last accessed).

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

ESWT is effective and safe. An optimum treatment protocol for ESWT appears to be three treatment sessions at 1-week intervals, with 2000 impulses per session and the highest energy flux density the patient can tolerate.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

The distinction between radial ESWT as 'low-energy ESWT' and focused ESWT as 'high-energy ESWT' is not correct and should be abandoned.

GROWING POINTS

There is no scientific evidence in favour of either radial ESWT or focused ESWT with respect to treatment outcome.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

Future randomized controlled trials should primarily address systematic tests of the aforementioned optimum treatment protocol and direct comparisons between radial and focused ESWT.

Shockwave treatment for musculoskeletal diseases and bone consolidation: qualitative analysis of the literature

Shockwave treatment is an option within orthopedics. The exact mechanism through which shockwaves function for treating musculoskeletal diseases is unknown. The aim of this study was to make a qualitative analysis on the effectiveness of shockwave treatment among patients with musculoskeletal pathological conditions and pseudarthrosis. Searches were conducted in the Cochrane Library, Medline and Lilacs databases. Thirty-nine studies that reported using shockwave treatment for musculoskeletal diseases were found. Their results varied greatly, as did the types of protocol used. The studies that evaluated the effectiveness of shockwave treatment for lateral epicondylitis, shoulder tendinopathy, knee osteoarthrosis, femoral head osteonecrosis and trochanteric bursitis reported inconsistent results for most of their patients. Those that evaluated patients with calcifying tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy and pseudarthrosis showed benefits. Shockwave treatment is a safe and non-invasive method for chronic cases in which conventional techniques have been unsatisfactory and should be used in association with other treatment methods for tendinopathy. Further quality studies are needed.

Evidence for minimally invasive therapies in the management of chronic calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This meta-analysis assessed the short-term to midterm effectiveness of minimally invasive treatments in the management of calcifying tendinopathy of the shoulder cuff, a common source of chronic shoulder pain that leads to pain, a decreased active range of motion, and loss of muscular strength. When conservative therapies fail, minimally invasive treatment options can be considered before resulting to surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to conduct this review. A systematic literature search was conducted in May 2013 to identify all studies that examined the short-term to midterm effectiveness of minimally invasive treatments for chronic calcifying tendinopathy. The primary end points were identified as function, pain, and total resorption rates. Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to assess the quality of evidence.

RESULTS

Included were 20 studies (1544 participants). Common methodological flaws were related to randomization. In general, there is moderate-quality GRADE evidence that high-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy has a significant effect on pain relief and functional status compared with other interventions. There is variable-quality GRADE evidence on the efficiency of other interventions.

CONCLUSION

High-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy is the most thoroughly investigated minimally invasive treatment option in the short-term to midterm and has proven to be a safe and effective treatment. Ultrasound-guided needling is safe but has not been proven to be more effective than an ultrasound-guided subacromial corticosteroid injection in recent level I research, and further research will have to prove its effectiveness.

Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder

Calcific tendinitis is a common disease that predominantly affects individuals aged between 40 and 60 years. Women seem to be more affected than men. Various factors have been suggested to play a role in this condition, such as abnormal activity of the thyroid gland, metabolic diseases (e.g. diabetes), and genetic predisposition. Various etiological hypotheses have been advanced: the degenerative and multiphasic theories are the two most accredited ones. Clinically, calcific tendinitis is characterized by severe, disabling pain which occurs spontaneously, usually in the morning. There can be concomitant stiffness, giving rise to a frozen shoulder-like clinical picture. Conventional radiography of the shoulder is the most appropriate imaging approach. Most cases resolve spontaneously. Many conservative treatments have been reported in the literature, showing varying levels of evidence of efficacy. Arthroscopic surgery is the orthopedic specialist's last option. It is to be noted that post-surgical pain can persist for many weeks after the operation. Finally, it is important not to forget the variant characterized by osteolytic involvement of the greater tuberosity, which has been associated with a worse clinical outcome, both after conservative treatment and after surgery.

Radial extracorporeal shock-wave therapy in patients with chronic rotator cuff tendinitis

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of radial extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (rESWT) on patients with chronic tendinitis of the rotator cuff. This was a randomised controlled trial in which 82 patients (mean age 47 years (24 to 67)) with chronic tendinitis diagnosed clinically were randomly allocated to a treatment group who received low-dose rESWT (three sessions at an interval 10 to 14 days, 2000 pulses, 0.11 mJ/mm2, 8 Hz) or to a placebo group, with a follow-up of six months. The patients and the treating orthopaedic surgeon, who were both blinded to the treatment, evaluated the results. A total of 44 patients were allocated to the rESWT group and 38 patients to the placebo group. A visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain, a Constant–Murley (CMS) score and a simple shoulder test (SST) score significantly improved in both groups at three and six months compared with baseline (all p ≤ 0.012). The mean VAS was similar in both groups at three (p = 0.43) and six months (p = 0.262). Also, the mean CMS and SST scores were similar in both groups at six months (p = 0.815 and p = 0.834, respectively).

It would thus seem that low-dose rESWT does not reduce pain or improve function in patients chronic rotator cuff tendinitis compared with placebo treatment.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1521–6.

A systematic review of shockwave therapies in soft tissue conditions: focusing on the evidence

BACKGROUND

'Shock wave' therapies are now extensively used in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. This systematic review summarises the evidence base for the use of these modalities.

METHODS

A thorough search of the literature was performed to identify studies of adequate quality to assess the evidence base for shockwave therapies on pain in specific soft tissue injuries. Both focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy (F-ESWT) and radial pulse therapy (RPT) were examined.

RESULTS

23 appropriate studies were identified. There is evidence for the benefit of F-ESWT and of RPT in a number of soft tissue musculoskeletal conditions, and evidence that both treatment modalities are safe. There is evidence that F-ESWT is effective in the treatment of plantar fasciitis, calcific tendinitis, and that RPT is effective in plantar fasciitis. Where benefit is seen in F-ESWT, it appears to be dose dependent, with greater success seen with higher dose regimes. There is low level evidence for lack of benefit of low-dose F-ESWT and RPT in non-calcific rotator cuff disease and mixed evidence in lateral epicondylitis.

Calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff: a review

Calcifying tendinitis of the rotator cuff is a common disorder; its underlying mechanism still remains unknown. Although details of the clinical presentation(s) and pathological changes which are associated with calcific tendinitis are available, conservative management of this condition remains a topic of debate. About 90% of the patients can be treated non - operatively, but as some are resistant to conservative treatment; newer techniques or surgery should be indicated. Rheumatologists and radiologists have often described this shoulder abnormality, leading to its progressive differentiation from other painful shoulder syndromes. The conservative treatment includes the use of non - steroidal anti - inflammatory agents, roentegen therapy, physical modalities for controlling the pain and for preventing loss of joint mobility, local steroid injections, and open or arthroscopic surgeries. Results of non - operative treatments have also been satisfactory. These include heat, cold, range of motion and pendulum exercises, diathermy, short - wave, and radiation therapy. Rest, immobilization with a sling, and oral non - steroidal and steroid anti - inflammatory medications have also been mentioned. This review aimed at looking at calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff with a wide vision in the light of modern advances; while at the same time, not disregarding the past experiences.

Calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff: a randomized controlled trial of ultrasound-guided needling and lavage versus subacromial corticosteroids

BACKGROUND

Calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff (RCCT) is frequently diagnosed in patients with shoulder pain, but there is no consensus on its treatment.

PURPOSE

To compare 2 regularly applied RCCT treatments: ultrasound (US)-guided needling and lavage (barbotage) combined with a US-guided corticosteroid injection in the subacromial bursa (subacromial bursa injection [SAI]) (group 1) versus an isolated SAI (group 2).

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned to the 2 groups. Shoulder function was assessed before treatment and at regular follow-up intervals (6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months) using the Constant shoulder score (CS, primary outcome), the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH). Additionally, calcification location, size, and Gärtner classification were assessed on radiographs. Results were analyzed using the t test, linear regression, and a mixed model for repeated measures.

RESULTS

This study included 48 patients (25 female, 52.1%; mean age, 52.0 ± 7.3 years; 23 patients in group 1) with a mean baseline CS of 68.7 ± 11.9. No patients were lost to follow-up. Four patients in group 1 and 11 in group 2 (P = .06) had an additional barbotage procedure or surgery during the follow-up period because of persisting symptoms and no resorption. At 1-year follow-up, the mean CS in group 1 was 86.0 (95% CI, 80.3-91.6) versus 73.9 (95% CI, 67.7-80.1) in group 2 (P = .005). The mean calcification size decreased by 11.6 ± 6.4 mm in group 1 and 5.1 ± 5.7 mm in group 2 (P = .001). There was total resorption in 13 patients in group 1 and 6 patients in group 2 (P = .07). With regression analyses, correcting for baseline CS and Gärtner type, the mean treatment effect was 20.5 points (P = .05) in favor of barbotage. Follow-up scores were significantly influenced by baseline scores. Results for the DASH and WORC were similar.

CONCLUSION

On average, there was improvement at 1-year follow-up in both treatment groups, but clinical and radiographic results were significantly better in the barbotage group.

Clinical improvement and resorption of calcifications in calcific tendinitis of the shoulder after shock wave therapy at 6 months' follow-up: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of shock wave therapy (SWT) for functional improvement and the reduction of pain in patients with calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, and to determine the rate of disappearance of calcifications after therapy at 6 months' follow-up.

DATA SOURCES

Articles were searched from the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Ovid database.

STUDY SELECTION

We included randomized controlled trials from 1992 to 2011, and their quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale.

DATA EXTRACTION

Studies were evaluated by 2 independent reviewers for their methodologic quality. Disagreements were settled by a third reviewer. Data were then extracted and cross-checked for accuracy. The reviewers were not blinded to the authors of the articles.

DATA SYNTHESIS

In 4 of the 6 studies included for review, the resorption of calcifications was evaluated using meta-analysis because the studies had 2 treatment groups, while the other 2 studies were analyzed descriptively because they had 3 treatment groups. Fixed- and random-effects models were used to meta-analyze total and partial resorption ratios, and I(2) statistics were calculated to assess heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a clinical improvement with a pooled total resorption ratio of 27.19 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.20-102.67) and a pooled partial resorption ratio of 16.22 (95% CI, 3.33-79.01). SWT increases shoulder function, reduces pain, and is effective in dissolving calcifications. These results were maintained over the following 6 months.

Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy for supraspinatus calcifying tendinitis: a randomized clinical trial comparing two different energy levels

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (ESWT) represents a valid intervention in the treatment of people with supraspinatus calcifying tendinitis (SCT), but there is limited evidence for the useful range of ESWT doses.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare 2 different ranges of energy flux density in treatment of SCT with ESWT.

DESIGN

This study was designed as a single-blind randomized clinical trial.

SETTING

This study was performed in a university hospital.

PATIENTS

Forty-six patients with SCT were randomly assigned to 2 groups that received different therapeutic energy doses of ESWT: (1) group A received ESWT at an energy level of 0.20 mJ/mm², and (2) group B received ESWT at an energy level of 0.10 mJ/mm².

INTERVENTION

The treatment protocol consisted of 4 sessions performed once a week.

MEASUREMENTS

The change in mean Constant Murley Scale (CMS) scores at 3 and 6 months was the primary endpoint. The change in the mean visual analog scale (VAS) scores from baseline to 3 and 6 months after the intervention and radiographic change in size of calcium deposits were evaluated as secondary endpoints. At 12 months, pain relief was assessed using a numeric rating scale.

RESULTS

Significant clinical improvement based on mean CMS scores was observed after 6 months in group A (X=79.43, SD=10.33) compared with group B (X=57.91, SD=6.53). Likewise, after 6 months, a significant decrease in VAS scores was found in group A (X=2.09, SD=1.54) compared with group B (X=5.36, SD=0.78). Calcific deposits disappeared in the same percentage of patients in both groups.

LIMITATIONS

The small sample size and lack of a control group were limitations of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

In ESWT for SCT, an energy level of 0.20 mJ/mm² appears to be more effective than an energy level of 0.10 mJ/mm² in pain relief and functional improvement.

Focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy in calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder: a meta-analysis

Background:

The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the management of calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder. Furthermore, a dose-response relationship was sought as a secondary confirmation of effectiveness.

Hypothesis:

Focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy has a high, dose-responsive effectiveness in the management of calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder.

Study Design:

Meta-analysis.

Methods:

Studies were identified from online databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register), manual searches, and personal communication with experts in the field. After assessment of heterogeneity, a random effects model was generated. The primary end points were identified as pain and function by using the visual analog scale and the Constant-Murley Score, respectively. These end points were pooled and the weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Odds ratios of the secondary end point deposit resorption were pooled.

Results:

In 14 studies, shock wave therapy led to a significantly higher reduction of pain (weighted mean difference, −2.8 points; 95% confidence interval, −4.2 to −1.5 points) and improvement of function (weighted mean difference, 19.8 points; 95% confidence interval, 13.4-26.3 points), compared to other treatments and placebo. High-energy treatment produced significantly better results than low-energy treatment for pain reduction (weighted mean difference, 1.7 points; 95% confidence interval, 0.7-2.6 points) and improvement of function (weighted mean difference, 10.7 points; 95% confidence interval, 7.2-14.1 points). These results are consistent with a dose-response relationship supporting the effectiveness of shock wave therapy.

Conclusion:

Shock wave therapy for calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder is effective in pain relief, function restoration, and deposit resorption; however, these conclusions are susceptible to bias arising from the limitations of the included studies.

Long-Term Results of Rehabilitative Management with Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Rotator Cuff Disease with Partial Tears

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of rehabilitative approach using MJS and dynamic antigravity postural system (SPAD) with extracorporeal Shockwave therapy (ESWT) on rotator cuff syndrome associated tendon supraspinatus and infraspinatus medium tear (1–3 cm) of the tendons. In the last few years, ESWT has been proposed as an elective treatment in somatic diseases with encouraging short-term results. For this study the authors enrolled 108 patients who underwent 3 treatments with ESWT associated with 24 rehabilitation sessions over 3 weeks. Outcome measures were the VAS for pain and the Constant Murley Scale. The outcomes were measured pre-training, post-training and at 2, 4, 6 month follow-ups. Additional follow-up evaluation sessions were performed every year for 5 years by a telephone interview to evaluate changes in pain and function and the efficacy of treatment. Our study shows that the therapeutic efficacy of rehabilitative approach with ESWT in the rotator cuff syndrome with medium tears persists over time and significantly improves the patient's quality of life. The results obtained are certainly to be attributed to the biological mechanisms that ESWT are able to engage in tissues of the rotator cuff. The results seen at the conclusion of the treatment were maintained over the following years, thanks to the use of MJS and SPAD. In our opinion a conservative treatment with extracorporeal shock-wave (ESW), dynamic antigravity postural system (SPAD) and multi joint system (MJS) should be considered as an alternative and effective treatment for rotator cuff syndromes with medium tears.

Calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff tendons

Calcific tendinopathy (CT) of the tendons of the rotator cuff is common in white populations, with a reported prevalence varying from 2.7% to 22%, mostly affecting women between 30 and 50 years. Although CT shows a strong tendency toward self-healing by spontaneous resorption of the deposits, it does not always follow this typical pattern. The etiopathogenesis of CT is still unknown. Many pathogenetic theories have been proposed, and clinical associations between CT and diabetes and thyroid disorders have been reported. The choice of therapeutic approach should depend on the evolution of the condition.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder

PURPOSE

Strategies for extracorporeal shockwave therapy in calcifying tendinitis of the rotator cuff vary concerning quantity of sessions and doses. The purpose of this prospective pilot study was to determine the difference between the outcome of a single high-dosage extracorporeal shockwave therapy and two sessions of low-dosage extracorporeal shockwave therapy.

METHODS

This study compared a single high-level middle-energetic extracorporeal shockwave therapy (0.3 mJ/mm(2)) with a low-level middle-energetic extracorporeal shockwave therapy applied twice in a weekly interval (0.2 mJ/mm(2)). Thirty patients that suffered from calcifying tendinitis for at least 6 months received navigated, fluoroscopy-guided extracorporeal shockwave therapy. The gain of Constant Murley Score, Visual Analogue Scale during state of rest and weight-bearing situations ("stress") and radiographic progress was documented 6 and 12 weeks after therapy.

RESULTS

In both groups, a significant reduction in pain during stress and improvement of function was observed. In contrast, no significant reduction in pain during rest was observed. No significant difference between both groups concerning reduction in the calcific deposit after 6 weeks was detected. Group B showed minor advantages in radiographical improvement after 12 weeks. In 36% of the patients, the calcific deposit completely dissoluted after 12 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study indicates that a single high-level extracorporeal shockwave therapy may be as effective as two applications of a lower-dosed extracorporeal shockwave therapy for calcifying tendinitis. An effective single-session strategy could reduce treatment time, material costs and healthcare expenses and ionizing radiation in case of fluoroscopy guidance.

The midterm effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the management of chronic calcific shoulder tendinitis

BACKGROUND

This systematic review explored the midterm effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in reducing pain and improving shoulder function. Calcified rotator cuff tendinitis is a common cause of chronic shoulder pain that leads to significant pain and functional limitations. ESWT is an alternative to surgery when conservative treatments such as nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, steroidal injections, and physiotherapy fail to relieve symptoms. It is hypothesised that ESWT is effective in the midterm for reducing pain and improving function for patients with chronic calcific tendinitis and that a dose-response relationship exists in the treatment parameters for effectiveness.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Articles were electronically searched from the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PUBMED, EMBASE, SPORTSDiscus and PEDro using a comprehensive search strategy. Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials testing the midterm effectiveness of ESWT for chronic calcific tendonitis. Methodologic quality was assessed by PEDro (total score = 10). The strength of the evidence was reported using the National Health and Medical Research Council body of evidence framework.

RESULTS

Six of the nine included studies scored 7 or more for methodologic quality. All studies had follow-up periods of at least 6 months. Common methodologic flaws were insufficient blinding of clinicians and assessors. There was consistent evidence of midterm effectiveness of ESWT in reducing pain and improving shoulder function for patients with chronic calcified tendinitis.

DISCUSSION

ESWT is a potential alternative to surgery with good mid-term effectiveness and minimal side effects. This review noted several limitations with the current body of evidence. Studies were mainly from a few European countries involving medical doctors, with a lack of diverse perspectives and effectiveness evaluation from other health professionals who might use this treatment option for patients with chronic calcific tendinitis. Further, the different outcome measures used and inadequate reporting details in the included studies did not permit a quantitative synthesis of the effectiveness of this treatment. A lack of follow up period beyond one year in the studies also precluded conclusion to be made on the longer term effectiveness of ESWT.

CONCLUSION

Due to variable treatment parameters (eg dosage), this review was unable to provide clear guidance of the dose-effect of the midterm effectiveness of ESWT. Studies of better methodologic design using standardized treatment protocols and studies with longer follow-up are required.

Arm position during extracorporeal shock wave therapy for calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder: a randomized study

Objective: To generate data on optimal shoulder position comparing two ultrasound-guided extracorporeal shock wave therapy techniques for the treatment of calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder.

Design: Random assignment to two groups of treatment with three months follow-up.

Setting: The data were collected in outpatients.

Subjects: Thirty-five subjects affected by calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder were examined.

Interventions: Each subject received three sessions of ultrasound-guided extracorporeal shock wave therapy (performed weekly). Neutral position technique was used in group A (n = 17, mean age 53 ± 9.2 years) and the hyperextended internal rotation technique was used in group B (n = 18, mean age 52.2 ± 10.8 years).

Main outcome measures: The Constant and Murley method and radiographs were used to evaluate each subject before the treatment and at three months follow-up.

Results: There were no significant differences between changes in Constant total score and pain, activity of daily living and range of motion subscales of the two groups. Only the pain subscale showed a significant difference in favour of group B. Significant differences in the radiographic outcome were observed between the two groups: the percentage of total or subtotal resorption of the calcified deposits was 35.3% in group A (neutral position technique) versus 66.6% in group B (hyperextended internal rotation technique). The resorption of the calcific deposit positively influenced the clinical outcome.

Conclusions: Positioning the shoulder in hyperextension and internal rotation during extracorporeal shock wave therapy seems to be a useful technique to achieve resorption of calcific deposits.

Current treatment options for tendinopathy

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD

Tendon disorders are frequent and are responsible for much morbidity, both in sport and the workplace. Although several therapeutic options are routinely used, very few well-conducted randomised prospective, placebo, controlled trials have been performed to assist in choosing the best evidence-based management.

AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW

We performed a comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL, and Embase databases over the years 1966 - 2010 to review the best evidence-based options for the management of patients with tendinopathy.

WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN

The reader will obtain information on the available medical and surgical therapies used to manage tendinopathy-related symptoms. The effectiveness of therapies, the length of management and the adverse effects are examined.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE

Management of tendinopathy is often anecdotic and lacking well-researched scientific evidence. Teaching patients to control the symptoms may be more beneficial than leading them to believe that tendinopathy is fully curable.

Radial extracorporeal shock-wave therapy in rotator cuff calcific tendinosis

The objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Radial Extracorporeal Shock-wave Therapy (RESWT) compared with High Power LASER Therapy (HPLT) for the treatment of patients with Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinosis (RCCT). RCCT is widely diffused, it is painful and invalidating. It is an important public health problem with social and economic implications. The most common therapeutic approach is a physiotherapic one. Both HPLT and RESWT give positive results. There is a debate on which is to be preferred. Therefore there is need to obtain scientific evidence to support either case. An observational study was carried out in the period between October 2008 and September 2009 in our outpatient clinic with 62 patients, divided into 3 groups: group A 36 patients treated only with RESWT, group B 26 patients treated only with HPLT and group C 16 patients with only short term improvement with HPLT retreated with RESWT. Patients were evaluated with Constant-Murley scale before and after treatment (immediately, 1 month and 3 months) for mean constant score, pain and range of movement. Data were examined statistically with SPSS. Criteria for inclusion and exclusion were defined. Patients treated with HPLT have shown good clinical results but have returned to original syndrome 1 month after treatment. RESWT has given improvement after treatment extended in time (3 months) in terms of pain and recover of functionality with a limited number of applications. The evidence collected indicates that RESWT is the method of choice.

New options in the management of tendinopathy

Tendon injuries can be acute or chronic, and caused by intrinsic or extrinsic factors, either alone or in combination. Tendinopathies are a common cause of disability in occupational medicine and account for a substantial proportion of overuse injuries in sports. Tendinopathy is essentially a failed healing response, with haphazard proliferation of tenocytes, abnormalities in tenocytes, with disruption of collagen fibres and subsequent increase in noncollagenous matrix. The scientific evidence base for managing tendinopathies is limited. What may appear clinically as an "acute tendinopathy" is actually a well advanced failure of a chronic healing response in which there is neither histologic nor biochemical evidence of inflammation. In this review we report the new options for the management of tendinopathy, including eccentric exercises, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, injections (intratendinous injections of corticosteroids, aprotinin, polidocanol platelet-rich plasma, autologous blood injection, high-volume injections) and surgery. Open surgery aims to excise fibrotic adhesions, remove areas of failed healing and make multiple longitudinal incisions in the tendon to detect intratendinous lesions, and to restore vascularity and possibly stimulate the remaining viable cells to initiate cell matrix response and healing. New surgical techniques aim to disrupt the abnormal neoinnervation to interfere with the pain sensation caused by tendinopathy. These procedures are intrinsically different from the classical ones in present use, because they do not attempt to address directly the pathologic lesion, but act only to denervate them. They include endoscopy, electrocoagulation, and minimally invasive stripping. Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to clarify better the best therapeutic options for the management of tendinopathy.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for nonunion of the tibia

OBJECTIVES

Delayed and nonunion of the tibia are not uncommon in orthopaedic practice. Multiple methods of treatment have been developed with variable results. The objective of this study was to define disease-specific and treatment-related factors of prognostic significance in patients undergoing shock wave therapy for tibia nonunion.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

PATIENTS

One hundred ninety-two patients treated with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) at a single referral trauma center, AUVA-Trauma Center Meidling, a large single-referral trauma center located in Vienna, Austria, in an attempt to determine the feasibility and factors associated with the use of ESWT in the treatment for tibia nonunion.

INTERVENTION

ESWT coupled with posttreatment immobilization, external fixation, or ESWT alone.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Fracture healing, overall healing percent, and factors associated with ESWT success or failure.

RESULTS

At the time of last follow up, 138 of 172 (80.2%) patients have demonstrated complete fracture healing. Mean time from first shock wave therapy to complete healing of the tibia nonunion was 4.8+/-4.0 months. Number of orthopaedic operations (P=0.003), shock wave treatments (P=0.002), and pulses delivered (P=0.04) were significantly associated with complete bone healing. Patients requiring multiple (more than one) shock wave treatments versus a single treatment had a significantly lower likelihood of fracture healing (P=0.003). This may be attributable to the finding that a significantly greater proportion of patients with multiple rather than single ESWT treatments had three or more prior orthopaedic procedures (more than one ESWT, 63.9% versus one ESWT, 23.5%; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

ESWT is a feasible treatment modality for tibia nonunion.

Prognostic factors in nonoperative therapy for chronic symptomatic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder

OBJECTIVE

To define prognostic factors in chronically symptomatic patients with calcific tendinitis of the shoulder.

METHODS

We evaluated 420 patients (488 shoulders) in the context of a prospective cohort study. Epidemiologic data were assessed. The radiographic and sonographic appearance of the calcific deposits was classified. The mean period of nonoperative therapy was 4.4 years (range 0.5-13.7 years). After referral to our institution, standardized nonoperative therapy was continued for a minimum of 3 months. Failure of nonoperative therapy was defined as the persistence of symptomatic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder after a minimum of 6 months. Prognostic factors (determined at P < 0.05 by chi-square test) were analyzed by logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of the 420 patients, 269 (64%) were women, 151 (36%) were men. The mean age of the patients was 51.3 years (range 28-84 years). Occurrence of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder was unilateral in 84% and bilateral in 16%. Gärtner type I calcific deposits were found in 37%, type II in 32%, and type III in 31%. Failure of nonoperative therapy was observed in 114 patients (27%). Negative prognostic factors were bilateral occurrence of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, localization to the anterior portion of the acromion, medial (subacromial) extension, and high volume of the calcific deposit. Positive prognostic factors were a Gärtner type III deposit and a lack of sonographic sound extinction of the calcific deposit.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate the existence of prognostic factors in the nonoperative treatment of chronic symptomatic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. Guidelines for optimal treatment can be implemented according to these factors to avoid a long-term symptomatic disease course.

Arthroscopy surgery versus shock wave therapy for chronic calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder

Background

There are several treatment modalities for calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder. If the pain becomes chronic after several months of conservative treatment, open or arthroscopic removal is usually recommended. Recently, extracorporeal shock wave therapy has shown encouraging results in treating calcific deposits.

Materials and methods

We report a retrospective study to compare the outcome after arthroscopic extirpation (group I, 22 cases) with the effect of low extracorporeal shock wave therapy (group II, 24 cases) in patients with a chronic homogeneous calcific deposit in the supraspinatus tendon. Patients included in the study had undergone unsuccessful conservative therapy in the previous six months with no evidence of subacromial impingement of the rotator cuff independent of the calcium deposit or rupture of the rotator cuff detected by sonography or magnetic resonance imaging. AP and LL radiographies were performed for all of the patients at least one week before the treatment and 24 months after the treatment. To keep the possibility of spontaneous resorption low, the deposit had to be sharply outlined and densely structured on the radiograph (types I and II in the Gärtner classification). In group II, the patients underwent an average of three treatment sessions of extracorporeal shock waves therapy with 1,500 impulses/session of 0.10–0.13 mJ/mm².

Results

Preoperative symptoms (P = 0.09), sex (P = 0.17), operated (P = 0.11) and dominant (P = 0.33) limbs, and age (P = 0.99) of the two groups did not show a significative difference between groups. According to the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) rating system, the mean score in group I improved from 9.36 (±5.2) to 30.3 (±7.62) points after 24 months, with 81.81% reporting good or excellent results (P < 0.001). In group II the mean score after 24 months rose from 12.38 (±6.5) to 28.13 (±9.34) points, with 70.83% reporting good or excellent results (P < 0.001). Radiologically, after two years of follow up, there was no calcific deposit in 86.35% (P < 0.001) of the patients of group I and in 58.33 % (P < 0.001) of the patients of group II. According to the UCLA scores, there was no significant difference between the groups at two years of follow-up (P = 0.38).

Conclusions

We conclude that shock wave therapy is equivalent to arthroscopy, and so shock wave therapy should be preferred because of its noninvasiveness.

Treatment of tendinopathy: what works, what does not, and what is on the horizon

Tendinopathy is a broad term encompassing painful conditions occurring in and around tendons in response to overuse. Recent basic science research suggests little or no inflammation is present in these conditions. Thus, traditional treatment modalities aimed at controlling inflammation such as corticosteroid injections and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications (NSAIDS) may not be the most effective options. We performed a systematic review of the literature to determine the best treatment options for tendinopathy. We evaluated the effectiveness of NSAIDS, corticosteroid injections, exercise-based physical therapy, physical therapy modalities, shock wave therapy, sclerotherapy, nitric oxide patches, surgery, growth factors, and stem cell treatment. NSAIDS and corticosteroids appear to provide pain relief in the short term, but their effectiveness in the long term has not been demonstrated. We identified inconsistent results with shock wave therapy and physical therapy modalities such as ultrasound, iontophoresis and low-level laser therapy. Current data support the use of eccentric strengthening protocols, sclerotherapy, and nitric oxide patches, but larger, multicenter trials are needed to confirm the early results with these treatments. Preliminary work with growth factors and stem cells is promising, but further study is required in these fields. Surgery remains the last option due to the morbidity and inconsistent outcomes. The ideal treatment for tendinopathy remains unclear.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, systematic review.

Shock wave therapy for acute and chronic soft tissue wounds: a feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Nonhealing wounds are a major, functionally-limiting medical problem impairing quality of life for millions of people each year. Various studies report complete wound epithelialization of 48 to 56% over 30 to 65 d with different treatment modalities including ultrasound, topical rPDGF-BB, and composite acellular matrix. This is in contrast to comparison control patients treated with standard wound care, demonstrating complete epithelialization rates of 25 to 39%. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) may accelerate and improve wound repair. This study assesses the feasibility and safety of ESWT for acute and chronic soft-tissue wounds.

STUDY DESIGN

Two hundred and eight patients with complicated, nonhealing, acute and chronic soft-tissue wounds were prospectively enrolled onto this trial between August 2004 and June 2006. Treatment consisted of debridement, outpatient ESWT [100 to 1000 shocks/cm(2) at 0.1 mJ/mm(2), according to wound size, every 1 to 2 wk over mean three treatments], and moist dressings.

RESULTS

Thirty-two (15.4%) patients dropped out of the study following first ESWT and were analyzed on an intent-to-treat basis as incomplete healing. Of 208 patients enrolled, 156 (75%) had 100% wound epithelialization. During mean follow-up period of 44 d, there was no treatment-related toxicity, infection, or deterioration of any ESWT-treated wound. Intent-to-treat multivariate analysis identified age (P = 0.01), wound size < or =10 cm(2) (P = 0.01; OR = 0.36; 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.80), and duration < or =1 mo (P < 0.001; OR = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.55) as independent predictors of complete healing.

CONCLUSIONS

The ESWT strategy is feasible and well tolerated by patients with acute and chronic soft tissue wounds. Shock wave therapy is being evaluated in a Phase III trial for acute traumatic wounds.