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Published on: August 2, 2024
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) as a treatment for recurrent Neurogenic Heterotopic Ossification (NHO)
Jacqueline E Reznik1, Susan J Gordon, Ruth N Barker
1School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University, Queensland4811, Australia. jackie.reznik@jcu.edu.au
Primary Objective:
To describe the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on neurogenic heterotopic ossification (NHO).
Research Design:
A single case study was considered the most appropriate methodology in this situation.
Methods And Procedures:
The subject was a 43 year old female 10 years post-traumatic brain injury with recurring NHO around the hip joint. Baseline assessments of pain using a 10-point VAS, range of motion of the hip using a goniometer and walking ability (number of steps over a standard distance) were conducted. Four applications of ESWT using a Minispec™ Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy machine (Medispec Int. USA) administered over 6 weeks to the anterolateral aspect of the right hip. Follow-up assessments were conducted weekly over the period of intervention and then monthly for 5 months.
Main Outcomes And Results:
Immediately following treatment, pain was reduced to 0 on the VAS scale; hip range of motion increased and the number of steps over a standard distance reduced, indicating increased step length. At 5-month follow-up, without further ESWT intervention, these results were maintained.
Conclusion:
This case study suggests that ESWT may be a non-invasive, low risk intervention for the management of NHO.
