Shock wave therapy for patients with lateral epicondylitis of the elbow: a one- to two-year follow-up study.
BACKGROUND
The results of both nonoperative and surgical treatments for lateral epicondylitis of the elbow have been inconsistent. Shock wave therapy has been shown to have a favorable short-term effect in treating this condition.


OBJECTIVE
Shock wave therapy is an effective treatment for patients with lateral epicondylitis of the elbow and long-term results will be as favorable as short-term ones.


METHODS
Case series.


METHODS
The effect of shock wave therapy was investigated in 57 patients with lateral epicondylitis of the elbow. Forty-three patients (24 men and 19 women with an average age of 46 years) with 1 to 2 years of follow-up were included in this study. In addition, six patients were treated with a sham procedure as a control group. Each patient was treated with 1000 impulses of shock wave therapy at 14 kV to the affected elbow. A 100-point scoring system was used for evaluating pain, function, strength, and elbow range of motion.


RESULTS
Twenty-seven elbows (61.4%) were free of complaints, 13 (29.5%) were significantly better, 3 (6.8%) were slightly better, and 1 (2.3%) was unchanged. In the control group, the results were unchanged in all six patients. There were no device-related problems and no systemic or local complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Shock wave therapy is a safe and effective modality in the treatment of patients with lateral epicondylitis of the elbow.
Wang
Ching-Jen
CJ
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 123 Ta-Pei Road, Niao Sung Hsiang, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Chen
Han-Shiang
HS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D019220:High-Energy Shock Waves / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012008:Recurrence; D013716:Tennis Elbow / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome