Shoulder function after extracorporal shock wave therapy for calcific tendinitis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Background:

• Chronic shoulder pain and calcific tendinitis significantly impact quality of life.
• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment option.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of low-energy versus high-energy density extracorporeal shock waves for chronic shoulder pain with calcific tendinitis.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 100 patients with chronic calcific tendinitis.
• Two groups received 1500 impulses: Group 1 (0.06 mJ/mm2, no anesthesia) and Group 2 (0.28 mJ/mm2, brachial plexus anesthesia).
• Patients were assessed at 6 and 24 weeks using the Constant score and subjective outcome ratings.

Main Results:

• Partial or complete disintegration of calcific deposits was observed in 50% of the low-energy group and 64% of the high-energy group (P < .01).
• Constant scores improved significantly in both groups, with higher final scores in the high-energy group (71 vs 88; P < .01).
• Good or excellent results were reported by 52% of the low-energy group versus 68% of the high-energy group at 24 weeks (P < .01).

Conclusions:

• High-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy demonstrates superior effectiveness compared to low-energy therapy for chronic shoulder pain and calcific tendinitis.
• High-energy ESWT leads to greater calcific deposit resolution and improved functional outcomes.
• ESWT is a viable treatment for calcific tendinitis, with higher energy levels potentially offering better results.