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Updated: Oct 1, 2025
Author Spotlight: Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Achilles Tendinopathy Treatment
Published on: August 2, 2024
Extracorporeal shock wave treatment in foot and ankle fracture non-unions - A review
Iris H Y Kwok1, Edmund Ieong1, Mosaab A Aljalahma1
1Foot and Ankle Unit, The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Brockley Hill, Stanmore, London, HA7 4LP, UK.
Background:
The authors reviewed the current evidence and conducted a comprehensive review on the use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of foot and ankle fracture non-unions.
Methods:
Four databases were searched to identify relevant studies in the available literature.
Results:
Eight studies were reviewed, demonstrating union rates of 65%-100% and 90-100% at 3- and 6-months following ESWT treatment respectively. No major complications were seen in any of the studies. Minor complications included local soft tissue swelling, petechiae, bruising and pain.
Conclusions:
The literature that is currently available is limited to case series of relatively small sample sizes, highlighting the need for a prospective randomised controlled trial to further investigate the efficacy of ESWT in the treatment of foot and ankle fracture non-unions.
