[The value of shockwave therapy in treatment of humero-radial epicondylitis]

Numerous therapies exist for the treatment of radial Epicondylitis. A new treatment, Extracorporal Shock-Wave Therapy (ESWT) has recently been proposed. Based on a review of the medical literature various mechanisms of action are presented. Except for the treatment of conditions of the urinary system, ESWT is controversial. Scientific proof of enhanced efficacy of ESWT compared to other treatments of radial Epicondylitis is still lacking. Prospective, randomized follow-up studies of large patient populations under standardized technical conditions are needed. Based on current knowledge, ESWT of radial Epicondylitis should only be applied if three conditions are fulfilled: 1) the diagnosis of radial Epicondylitis has been ascertained, 2) conservative therapies for at least one year failed, and 3) the only alternative is surgery.