Dose dependent effect of shock wave therapy on full thickness wound healing: An experimental study

Abstract

Objective of the study: To examine the dose-effect relationship of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on wound healing in rats. Study design: Randomized controlled trial design. Animals: 45 adult male, albino rats were included in this study. Interventions: A surgical wound with approximately six cm2 area was made on upper back of all rats after anesthesia, then rats were randomly assigned into three equal groups; group (A) (n=15, 600 shocks/session/3sessions, energy density/shock at 0.1 mJ/mm2), group (B) (n=15, 600 shocks/session/6 sessions, energy density/shock at 0.05 mJ/mm2) and group (C) (n=15, sham Shockwave group as a control group). Outcome measures: Wound surface areas and epithelialization rates were measured at 3rd and 6th sessions by the tracing method using a digital camera. Results: There was a significant decrease in the surface area of the wound as well as a significant increase in the epithelialization rate in three groups (p value 0.05). Conclusion: Shockwave dose modulation may have an effect on the end result of wound healing.