Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in clinical results after extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on calcified lesions of the shoulder.
963 patients with calcifying tendinitis were treated with high energy shock waves. The mean energy flux density was 0. 28 mJ/mm2. To evaluate the effect we used the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Roles-Maudsley-score to analyse the effect on activity of daily living, and pain perception. ESWT was indicated after non operative treatment failed.
At 12 months after ESWT, 73. 6% of patients reported excellent and good results, 26% scored satisfactory and poor, using the Roles-Maudsley-Score. The positive effect of the ESWT on pain perception after 12 months was statistically significant (p< 0. 001). The difference between pain perception before and after ESWT persisted in the follow up interval. No decrease was shown after 2 years. In all cases no severe side effects were observed except small petechial haemorrhages.
High energy shock wave therapy is indicated to treat calcifying tendinitis which is resistant to any other non-operative treatment. The decrease in pain perception persists over a period of more than two years. Absence of side effects and its effectiveness suggest that ESWT is indicated prior to surgical intervention.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr Simon Donell. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Department of Orthopaedics, Norfolk & Norwich Hospital, Level 4, Centre Block, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UY, United Kingdom
