[Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in orthopedic indications: a selective review]

A search of Medline concerning the efficacy of shock wave therapy for pseudarthritis (nonunion), calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder, lateral epicondylitis and painful heel identified 25 publications describing 31 investigations. These investigations cannot be accepted as confirmative. The effects in pseudarthritis appear most promising but the cases reported need a reanalysis and thorough description before efficacy can be accepted as granted. Moreover, the indication as well as the stimulus parameters have to be specified and standardized. Published data on the other indications justify prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled (sham treatment) trials to confirm efficacy where again the procedure and dosing of shock wave therapy need data-based, rational standardization.