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Treatment Protocol for Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinitis Using a Single-Crystal Piezoelectric Focused Shock Wave Source
Published on: December 23, 2022
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Current knowledge on evidence-based shockwave treatments for shoulder pathology
Daniel Moya1, Silvia Ramón2, Leonardo Guiloff3
1Orthopaedic Surgeon, Shock Wave Unit, Buenos Aires British Hospital, Argentina.
International Journal of Surgery (London, England)
|September 13, 2015
Summary
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) effectively treats rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy when conservative methods fail. Its use for non-calcific shoulder pain requires further investigation, despite expanding indications.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Shoulder pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition.
- Extracorporporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is an option for refractory rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy.
- ESWT's efficacy in non-calcific shoulder tendinopathies is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current indications for ESWT in shoulder pathologies.
- To assess the evidence-based practice of ESWT for shoulder pain.
- To evaluate ESWT's role as an alternative to invasive procedures.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on ESWT for shoulder pain.
- Analysis of clinical evidence for ESWT in calcific and non-calcific tendinopathies.
- Examination of expanded indications for ESWT in shoulder conditions.
Main Results:
- ESWT shows good results for rotator cuff calcifications.
- Clinical efficacy of ESWT for non-calcific tendinopathy is not well-established.
- Indications for ESWT are expanding beyond calcific tendinopathy.
Conclusions:
- ESWT is a viable treatment for specific shoulder pathologies like calcific tendinopathy.
- Further research is needed to confirm ESWT's effectiveness in non-calcific shoulder conditions.
- Evidence-based practice guides the expanding use of ESWT in shoulder treatment.
