Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy Research Articles

Impact of travel distance on short-term outcomes in patients receiving treatment for urolithiasis: A population-based study.

We aimed to assess the relationship between the distance traveled to receive treatment for urolithiasis and early outcomes. This is a population-based study of patients who received interventions for urolithiasis in Ontario between 2003 and 2019 using administrative data. Patients were stratified into three groups according to the distance travelled. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-squared test were used to examine differences between these groups based on the urolithiasis treatment of choice. The primary outcomes were reoperation rates and readmission rates. To identify the factors associated with the co-primary outcomes, both univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were employed. A total of 127 195 patients were included in the final analysis, with the majority of patients (n=100 124, 78.7%) having their stone procedure within 30 km from their residence, whereas 9586 patients (7.5%) travelled a distance greater than 90 km. Most of those that travelled >90 km were for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) (59%). Type of procedure and region of residence were the only variables that appeared to have a clinically relevant association with greater distance travelled. Unadjusted analysis suggested longer distance travelled was associated with a decrease in the need for a repeat procedure; however, this was likely confounded by an association between distance traveled and procedure type. In adjusted analysis, early post-procedure health resource use did not appear to be dramatically increased with greater distance from care. Indeed, readmission rates at 30 days were marginally lower among those who travelled 30-60 km vs. <30 km (odds ratio [OR] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80-0.92, and had no detectable difference at >90 km vs. <30 km (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.88, 1.08). These observations of fewer or no difference in readmissions and emergency visits for those that travelled the greatest distances generally held true in the subgroup analysis for each surgical procedure. This population-based study found no clinically remarkable associations between the distance travelled for urolithiasis treatment and early outcomes. In fact, some marginal decreases in resource use were observed with greater travel distance perhaps reflecting some effect of travel to higher volume referral centers or enhanced processes for those that needed to travel farther for care. This information could be important for clinicians to help appropriate counselling and health systems planning.

Physiotherapeutic Assessment in Oncological Post-Mastectomy Patients

Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer among women, and the medical treatment protocols are highly aggressive. In the case of mastectomy, a number of different sequelae are generated, including pain, functional limitation of the shoulder, dehiscence of the wound, decrease in joint range, decrease in muscle strength, lymphedema, and so forth. Such consequences directly impact the functionality and quality of life of the individual. Physiotherapy represents a potential avenue for addressing the sequelae resulting from the surgical procedure. Objective: The objective is to conduct a bibliographic research on the early physiotherapeutic treatment of post-mastectomy cancer patients. Methodology: A search for clinical trials from 2016 to 2023 was conducted in multiple languages, including English, Portuguese, and Spanish, across several databases: PEDro, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. The inclusion and exclusion criteria facilitated an appropriate selection process for clinical trials, in conjunction with the PRISMA method. The selected clinical trials included a total sample of 644 individuals, in which various physiotherapeutic modalities were evaluated for the purpose of combating the various sequelae generated by mastectomy. Conclusions: Physiotherapy offers a range of beneficial therapeutic modalities, which, when applied early in post-mastectomy cancer patients, have a positive impact on these individuals. These include therapeutic exercise, hydrotherapy, and resistance aerobic exercise. Conversely, there are modalities such as manual lymphatic drainage and extracorporeal shock wave therapy that have uncertain benefits, given the lack of consensus on their evidence base.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (eSWT) in Spinal Cord Injury-A Narrative Review.

Injury of the spinal cord causes motor and sensory dysfunction as well as pathological reflexes, leading to paraplegia or tetraplegia. The sequelae of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) are a significant burden and impact on healthcare systems. Despite constant progress in medicine, traumatic SCI still remains irreversible. To date, no satisfying treatment that can enable neuronal regeneration and recovery of function at the damaged level has been found. Hundreds of experiments have been conducted on various possibilities of influencing spinal regeneration; some of them have yielded promising results, but unfortunately, the successes obtained in experimental animals have not translated into humans. This narrative review article presents the application of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (eSWT) in patients with SCI. The article has been divided into parts: 1) use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for regeneration of the spinal cord after traumatic spinal cord injury; 2) application of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in spasticity after spinal cord injury. In both cases, the hypotheses of possible mechanisms of action will be described. A small number of clinical trials have demonstrated the potential of eSWT to influence the regeneration of the spine, as an innovative, safe, and cost-effective treatment option for patients with SCI. Some reports have shown that eSWT can improve spasticity, walking ability, urological function, quality of life, and independence in daily life.

Response to the Commentary on "Clinical and Sonographic Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Patients with Lateral Epicondylitis".

Response to the Commentary on "Clinical and Sonographic Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Patients with Lateral Epicondylitis".

Efficacy of non-pharmacological treatments for knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

PurposeThis study aims to conduct a network meta-analysis to compare the clinical efficacy of seven distinct non-pharmacological therapies for knee osteoarthritis. We hope that our research findings can provide reference for clinical practitioners in formulating treatment plans. MethodsThrough a computer-based search, we systematically retrieved randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on non-pharmacological therapies for knee osteoarthritis from eight databases, including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and The Cochrane Library. Following screening, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment, relevant data were included and analyzed using R 4.2.3 software. ResultsA comprehensive analysis of 24 RCTs involving 2582 patients encompassed seven diverse non-pharmacological therapies. The efficacy rankings, based on Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, were as follows: shock wave therapy > needle-knife > laser therapy > acupuncture > ultrasound > exercise > transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Similarly, based on Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) total scores, the efficacy rankings were as follows: shock wave therapy > needle-knife > laser therapy > acupuncture > ultrasound > transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation > exercise. Among the three WOMAC subscales, the efficacy rankings for non-pharmacological therapies were as follows: For stiffness: laser therapy > exercise > shock wave therapy > acupuncture > needle-knife > ultrasound > transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation; For daily activities: shock wave therapy > laser therapy > needle-knife > acupuncture > ultrasound > transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation > exercise; For pain: shock wave therapy > needle-knife > laser therapy > acupuncture > exercise > transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation > ultrasound. ConclusionBased on the currently limited research, we can prioritize the use of shockwave therapy to treat patients with knee osteoarthritis. However, it is essential to emphasize that further rigorous and well-designed randomized controlled trials are necessary to validate the conclusions drawn from this study.

Intralesional and topical treatments for Peyronie's disease: a narrative review of current knowledge.

Peyronie's disease (PD) presents a multifaceted challenge in contemporary urological practice, marked by penile deformity, pain, and the potential for erectile dysfunction. We meticulously explored the existing literature of intralesional/topical interventions, aiming to provide clinicians with a nuanced understanding of available options for comprehensive PD management. To conduct this review, we performed a systematic search using the PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases, including the keywords of combination of the "Peyronie's disease/plastic induration of the penis (PIP) and intralesional/topical treatments". The study selection was based on adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, resulting in the inclusion of 16 articles. We delve into the effectiveness and safety profiles of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH), interferon, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), hyaluronic acid, botulinum toxin, stem cell, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), and traction therapy, assessing their impact on penile curvature, length improvement, and patient-reported symptoms and outcomes. The best options evaluated are intralesional injections of CCH and penile traction devices, alone or in combination. Despite PD remains a challenge for urologists, the objective of this review is to contribute to the evolving landscape of PD management, fostering informed decision-making, and personalized care for individuals grappling with this challenging condition.

Effects of supplementing extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) to hyaluronic acid (HA) injection among patients with rotator cuff lesions without complete tear: A prospective double-blinded randomized study.

The study investigates the combined efficacy of subacromial hyaluronic acid (HA) injections and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in managing rotator cuff lesions without complete tears. Eligible patients were randomized into three groups: 3 HA injections combined with 2 sham ESWT (HA), 3 HA injections combined with 1 ESWT and 1 sham ESWT (HA + 1 ESWT), or 3 HA injections combined with 2 ESWT (HA + 2 ESWT) with an allocation ratio of 1:1:1. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Constant-Murley Score (CMS), range of motion (ROM), and muscle power of shoulder abduction (MP) were assessed pre-intervention and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-initial HA injection. Shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was conducted before and twelve months after the intervention. All pertinent parameters showed no significant between-group differences at baseline but demonstrated significant within-group improvement throughout the study. The HA + 1 ESWT group demonstrated superior improvements in MP (P=0.011) and CMS (P=0.018) at 1 month, and in MP (P=0.014) and CMS (P=0.005) at 6 months, compared to the HA group. The HA + 2 ESWT group showed greater improvements in FF (P=0.027), IR (P=0.019), and SROM (P=0.025) at 1 month, and in ABD (P=0.022) at 6 months, compared to the HA group. Notably, the HA + 2 ESWT group exhibited greater improvements in FF (P=0.013), IR (P=0.019), and SROM (P=0.025) at 1 month, and in FF (P=0.007) at 3 months, than the HA + 1 ESWT group. Moreover, no deterioration in tendinopathy grading or tear status occurred in the HA + 1 ESWT group on MRI scans. ESWT provides additional benefits when combined with HA injections for patients with rotator cuff lesions lacking complete tears.

Long-term clinical outcomes of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for pancreatic duct stone treatment in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for pancreatic stones (P-ESWL) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are the preferred therapeutic approaches for painful chronic pancreatitis (CP) with pancreatic stones. This study aimed to report the short- and long-term outcomes following P-ESWL and ERCP in a large cohort with CP. Patients with painful CP and pancreatic stones >5 mm in size, who underwent P-ESWL and subsequent ERCP between March 2011 and June 2018, were included in this retrospective-prospective mixed observational study. The total stone clearance rates were recorded. All patients were followed up until the end of March 2024, with the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, pain type, quality-of-life scores and other relevant information recorded. A total of 2071 patients underwent P-ESWL, and 93.1% of them subsequently underwent ERCP during the study period. Patients were followed up for an average of 11.8 years from the onset of CP and 6.7 years from the first P-ESWL procedure. Complete stone clearance was achieved in 73.7% of the patients. At the end of the follow-up period, 70.1% of the patients achieved complete pain remission. Significant pain type conversion and lower VAS scores were observed in the patients after treatment. Quality-of-life scores and body mass indices increased after P-ESWL and ERCP. P-ESWL and ERCP are effective and minimally invasive treatments for pancreatic stones in patients with painful CP. Most patients achieved complete pain relief, and pain-type conversion was common after treatment. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05916547).

Combined Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy and Endoscopic Retrograde Pancreatography for Painful Chronic Pancreatitis: Is It Effective?

AbstractManagement of pain in chronic pancreatitis (CP) is challenging, and surgery used to be the intervention of choice in patients having pain refractory to medical therapy. Advancement in minimally invasive interventions resulted in a paradigm shift in the management of pain in CP. Pancreatic endotherapy is currently considered the intervention of choice for the management of ductal hypertension in CP. However, multiple mechanisms including ductal hypertension and neurogenic as well as psychological factors contribute to the causation of pain in CP and therefore no single intervention is effective in all patients. The precise role of interventional procedure in a complex disease like CP with multiple pathogenic mechanisms requires a prospective comparative study with a sham group and there are no such comparative studies in the literature. In this news and views, we discuss a recently published sham-controlled randomized trial (Combined extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and endoscopic treatment for pain in chronic pancreatitis (SCHOKE) trial) that examined the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) compared with the sham procedure.

Endoscopic interventions in pancreatic strictures and stones-A structured approach.

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is an irreversible disease of varied etiology characterized by destruction of pancreatic tissue and loss of both exocrine and endocrine function. Pain is the dominant and most common presenting symptom. The common cause for pain in CP is ductal hypertension due to obstruction of the flow of pancreatic juice in the main pancreatic duct either due to stones or stricture or a combination of both. With advances in technology and techniques, endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP) and stenting should be the first line of therapy for strictures of the main pancreatic duct (MPD). Small calculi in the MPD can be extracted by ERCP and balloon trawl. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) remains the standard of care for large pancreatic calculi and aims to fragment the stones 3mm or less that can easily be extracted by a subsequent ERCP. Single operator pancreatoscopy with intraductal lithotripsy is a technique in evolution and can be tried when ESWL is not available or is unsuccessful in producing stone fragmentation.

Current Non-Surgical Curative Regenerative Therapies for Knee Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disease affecting middle-aged and elderly individuals, with knee pain as a common complaint. Standard therapy approaches generally attempt to alleviate pain and inflammation, using various pharmacological and non-pharmacological options. However, the efficacy of these therapies in long-term tissue repair remains debated. As an alternative, regenerative medicine offers a promising strategy, with decreased adverse event rates and increasing evidence of safety and efficacy. This review will outline current advances in regenerative medicine for knee OA, emphasizing outpatient clinic-based therapies that use orthobiological and non-biological products. Different strategies based on orthobiologics are discussed as potential regenerative options for the management of knee OA. Cell-free therapies including platelet-rich plasma, autologous anti-inflammatories, exosomes, human placenta extract, and mitochondrial transplantation are discussed, focusing on their potential for cartilage regeneration. Additionally, cell-based therapies with regenerative properties including bone marrow aspirate concentrate, adipose stromal vascular fraction, microfat, nanofat, stem cell therapy, and genetically modified cells as part of orthobiologics, are being investigated. Also, this study is looking into non-biological approaches such as using gold-induced cytokines, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, and ozone therapy. The mechanisms of action, effectiveness, and clinical applications of each therapy are being explored, providing insights into their role in the management of knee OA.

Retrospective analysis of the efficacy of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy on young and middle-aged patients with erectile dysfunction responsive to PDE5Is: reducing the use of PDE5Is.

Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) is a new method for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), but there are no standards yet for its indications. The study aimed to suggest the early clinical efficacy of Li-ESWT and explore its related factors in young and middle-aged patients with ED who responded to phosphodiesterase type 5 Inhibitors (PDE5Is). Data from 61 patients with ED who had previously responded to oral PDE5Is and subsequently underwent Li-ESWT were collected. This included information on age, body mass index, total testicular volume, sex hormones, as well as IIEF-EF scores before treatment and at 1, 3, and 6months after treatment. The treatment regimen involves a weekly session for four consecutive weeks, with each session administering 5000 shock wave pulses. Linear regression analysis was utilized to identify factors associated with the efficacy of Li-ESWT treatment. Additionally, the improvement in different severity groups of ED before and after treatment, along with their IIEF-EF scores, was compared. Li-ESWT was more targeted and effective for young and middle-aged patients with erectile dysfunction who responded to PDE5Is. The age of enrolled patients ranges from 22 to 53years old, and the IIEF-EF scores at 1month, 3months, and 6months after treatment were compared to baseline for efficacy assessment, showing significant improvements (P < .0001) in all instances. Linear regression analysis using baseline data revealed predictive factors associated with treatment efficacy: treatment efficacy was negatively correlated with baseline IIEF-EF scores (t = -2.599, P = .013) and positively correlated with baseline LH levels (t = 2.170, P = .036). Given the considerable cost of Li-ESWT treatment and the emphasis on treatment continuity, we hope to identify the most suitable candidates for Li-ESWT therapy, thereby optimizing its application. Our findings provide a better solution for nonelderly ED patients who are responsive to PDE5Is. This study was limited by our sample size and follow-up time. After 3months of Li-ESWT, the IIEF-EF score gradually stabilizes and short-term maintenance of PDE5Is medication increases the responsiveness to shock wave therapy.

Assessing the effectiveness of complex programs for adaptation and preparation for the functioning of the biomechanical «human-prosthesis» system, taking into account the level of lower limb amputation

Abstract. The relevance of the problem of adaptation and preparation for the effective functioning of the biomechanical «human-prosthesis» system is dictated by the high need caused by the growing number of patients with lower limb amputations, both due to chronic diseases or domestic injuries, and due to trauma as a result of combat operations. Objective to evaluate. The effectiveness of complex adaptation and preparation programs for the functioning of the biomechanical «human-prosthesis» system, taking into account the level of lower limb amputation. Material and methods. 60 patients who underwent primary prosthetics at JSC CITO took part in the study, of which 26 patients had amputations at the hip level and 34 patients with amputations at the tibia level. All patients received comprehensive adaptation programs, including: stabilometric training on the COBS platform (Physiomed, Germany); practicing linear walking in a body weight unloading system on a treadmill and in a ceiling rail system; walking training on the «CMill» track (Physiomed, Germany and in the robotic complex «G-EO System» (Physiomed, Germany). The course of physiotherapy included: electrical myostimulation; shock wave therapy of the postoperative scar area; vacuum lymphatic drainage of the limb stump; local magnetic therapy of the limb stump. Results. Under the influence of the complex adaptation course, high clinical effectiveness was noted, which was manifested in achieving better functioning of the biomechanical «human-prosthesis» system and was confirmed by the high effectiveness of restoration of biomechanical, speed and coordination parameters of walking during podometric assessment of the walking stereotype. Also, as a result of the study, predictors of a favorable outcome were identified, both with any type of prosthetics, and specifically taking into account the level of amputation, and the optimal duration of the adaptation course was determined, taking into account the level of amputation. Conclusion: the use of developed programs for adaptation and preparation for the effective functioning of the biomechanical «human-prosthesis» system is a highly effective method of restoring patients after primary prosthetics of the lower limb and requires not only an integrated, but also a personalized approach to implementation, taking into account the level of amputation.

Multiple pancreaticobiliary fistulas combined with acute necrotizing pancreatitis: a rare complication of pancreatic extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

Multiple pancreaticobiliary fistulas combined with acute necrotizing pancreatitis: a rare complication of pancreatic extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

Letter to the Editor Regarding "Clinical and Sonographic Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Patients with Lateral Epicondylitis".

Letter to the Editor Regarding "Clinical and Sonographic Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Patients with Lateral Epicondylitis".

Safety of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy in prostate disorders: in vitro and in vivo evidence.

Recent evidence suggests that low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) is a promising treatment for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS); however, its safety in pelvic organs, particularly prostate tissues and cells, remains unclear. The current study evaluates the risks of prostate cell damage or oncogenesis following the administration of Li-ESWT for prostatitis. To this end, a robust in vitro model (Cell Counting Kit-8 [CCK-8] assay, clone formation assay, cell scratch assay, lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] release assay, flow cytometry, and immunoblotting assay) was designed to examine the effects of Li-ESWT on cell proliferation, clonogenicity, migration, membrane integrity, and DNA damage. Exome sequencing of Li-ESWT-treated cells was performed to determine the risk of carcinogenesis. Furthermore, an in vivo rat model ( n = 20) was employed to assess the effects of Li-ESWT on cancer biomarkers (carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA], Ki67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA], and gamma-H2A histone family member X, phosphorylation of the H2AX Ser-139 [ γ -H2AX]) in prostate tissue. Based on our findings, Li-ESWT promotes cellular growth and motility without inducing significant cell membrane or DNA damage or alterations. Genetic analyses did not demonstrate an increase in mutations, and no damage to prostate tissue or upregulation of cancer biomarkers was detected in vivo. This comprehensive in vitro and in vivo assessment confirms the safety of Li-ESWT in managing prostate disorders.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for degenerative meniscal tears results in a decreased T2 relaxation time and pain relief: An exploratory randomized clinical trial.

The optimal management of degenerative meniscal tears remains controversial. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has been shown to promote tissue repair in both preclinical and clinical studies; however, its effect on degenerative meniscal tears remains unknown. This study aimed to examine whether ESWT improves meniscal degeneration. This randomized trial was conducted between 2020 and 2022 and involved patients with degenerative medial meniscal tears. Patients were allocated to receive either focused ESWT (0.25 mJ/mm2, 2000 impulses, 3 sessions with a 1-week interval) or sham treatment. Patients were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before treatment and at 12 months after treatment. The primary endpoint was improvement in meniscal degeneration, as assessed by the change in T2 relaxation time from baseline on MRI T2 mapping. Knee pain and clinical outcomes were also examined at the same time. Of 29 randomized patients, 27 patients (mean age 63.9 ± 8.7 years; females 37%; ESWT group 14 patients; control group 13 patients) were included in the final analysis. At 12 months postintervention, patients in the ESWT group showed a greater decrease in the T2 relaxation time (ESWT group -2.9 ± 1.7 ms vs. control group 1.0 ± 1.9 ms; p < 0.001) and had less knee pain (p = 0.04). The clinical outcomes at 12 months post-treatment were not statistically significant. No adverse events were reported. ESWT decreased the T2 relaxation time in the meniscus at 12 months post-treatment. ESWT also provided pain relief, but no differences were observed in clinical outcomes. Level II.

A Treatment Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy with Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy.

Achilles tendinopathy is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by pain, lower muscle strength, gait abnormality, and reduced quality of life. There are two categories of Achilles tendinopathy: insertional Achilles tendinopathy and mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. Currently, mechanical loading programs are considered the standard of care for the population with Achilles tendinopathy. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is considered a secondary conservative treatment for tendinopathy as it is effective and safe. It can be used either as a monotherapy or as part of a multimodal treatment plan. ESWT has been extensively studied in orthopedics, where it was shown to intensify fracture healing and successfully treat overuse conditions of tendons and fascia. It is believed that shockwaves have both mechanical and cellular effects that ultimately result in the repair of damaged tendinous tissue and improved function of the Achilles tendon. However, there is a lack of consistency in the literature surrounding the effectiveness, especially the protocols. Therefore, we enrolled 36 patients with a diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathy, using radial ESWT (0.48 mJ/mm2, 2,000 shockwaves, 10 Hz, 1.6bars, 2 sessions once a week). Freedom from pain was experienced by 16.7% of these participants, and there was a significant decrease in pain in all of them.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) affects 17.6% of adults aged 50 to 79 years, particularly women. While exercise therapy and corticosteroid injections (CSIs) are common treatments, their limitations include inadequate pain control and potential tendon weakening. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is an emerging alternative for GTPS. This systematic review assessed ESWT's efficacy in GTPS by evaluating pain and functional outcomes at different follow-up intervals. A literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was conducted comparing ESWT with other GTPS treatments up to March 1, 2024. Two reviewers independently extracted data, assessing study quality using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. A random-effects pairwise meta-analysis compared ESWT with other treatments. Eight RCTs involving 754 patients (169 male, 585 female patients) were included. Seven RCTs were deemed high risk of bias, and 1 RCT had some concerns. Five RCTs investigated focused on focused ESWT, and 3 examined radial ESWT. ESWT provided significantly lower pain scores than other treatments at 2 to 4 months (standardized mean difference = -0.431; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.82 to -0.039; I2 = 83%). Functional improvement (Lower Extremity Functional Scale) was significantly higher at 6 months (weighted mean difference = 6.68; 95% CI, 3.11-10.25; I2 = 0%) but did not exceed the minimal clinically important difference. Focused ESWT provided greater pain reduction than radial ESWT. Three weekly ESWT sessions offer short-term pain relief at 2 to 4 months for patients with GTPS, especially with focused ESWT. Functional improvements at 6 months were notable but not clinically significant. These findings suggest ESWT may complement or serve as an alternative to CSIs and exercise. However, caution is needed when interpreting these results due to high risk of bias with the included RCTs and heterogeneity across the studies. Further high-quality trials are needed to confirm ESWT's long-term benefits over other treatments. Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Effect of extracorporeal shockwave therapy on plantar fascia thickness in plantar fasciitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has been used as a therapeutic option for plantar fasciitis. The objective was to investigate the effect of ESWT over the plantar fascia thickness. MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases were searched for randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of ESWT in patients with plantar fasciitis, comparing ESWT with another treatment. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model and the generic inverse variance method. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were also carried out. A total of 14 studies (867 participants) were included. ESWT significantly decreased plantar fascia thickness (weighted mean difference [WMD], -0.21mm [95% CI -0.39, -0.02]; p = 0.03). No significant improvement in pain was observed (WMD, -0.51cm [95% CI -1.04, 0.01]; p = 0.06) compared with non-surgical interventions. Our results suggest that plantar fascia thickness is significantly decreased after ESWT intervention in patients with plantar fasciitis. However, pain relief was not significantly improved compared to other non-surgical interventions.