Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis: randomised controlled multicentre trial.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy compared with placebo in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis.


METHODS
Randomised, blinded, multicentre trial with parallel group design.


METHODS
Nine hospitals and one outpatient clinic in Germany.


METHODS
272 patients with chronic plantar fasciitis recalcitrant to conservative therapy for at least six months: 135 patients were allocated extracorporeal shock wave therapy and 137 were allocated placebo.


METHODS
Primary end point was the success rate 12 weeks after intervention based on the Roles and Maudsley score. Secondary end points encompassed subjective pain ratings and walking ability up to a year after the last intervention.


RESULTS
The primary end point could be assessed in 94% (n=256) of patients. The success rate 12 weeks after intervention was 34% (n=43) in the extracorporeal shock wave therapy group and 30% (n=39) in the placebo group (95% confidence interval - 8.0% to 15.1%). No difference was found in the secondary end points. Few side effects were reported.


CONCLUSIONS
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is ineffective in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis.
Haake
Michael
M
Orthopädische Klinik, Universität Regensburg, 93077 Bad Abbach, Germany. m.haake@rheumaortho-zentrum.de
Buch
Mathias
M
Schoellner
Carsten
C
Goebel
Felix
F
Vogel
Martin
M
Mueller
Ingo
I
Hausdorf
Jörg
J
Zamzow
Karin
K
Schade-Brittinger
Carmen
C
Mueller
Hans-Helge
HH
D000465:Algorithms; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D036981:Fasciitis, Plantar / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged