The use of a mobile lithotripter in the treatment of tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the use of the mobile lithotripter in the treatment of tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis.


METHODS
A prospective single blind randomised trial was performed on 24 patients with tennis elbow and 23 patients with plantar fasciitis, with a mean duration of symptoms of 11 months. All patients had failed one or more method of treatment--conservative, topical non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), steroid injection and/or surgery. The patients were divided into treatment and placebo groups. The placebo group received treatment with a clasp on the elbow/heel to stop penetration of shock waves. A baseline pain score was obtained using the Million Visual Analogue scale (0-10). The affected area was infiltrated with 3-5mls of 1% lignocaine. The treatment consisted of 2000 shock waves at 2.5 bars of air pressure with a frequency of 8-10Hz. A total of three treatments were given at an interval of two weeks, each lasting for three to four minutes.


RESULTS
In the treatment groups, a final pain score at six months post treatment showed significant improvement (three or more points) in 78% of patients with tennis elbow and 93% of patients with plantar fasciitis. In the placebo groups, significant improvement was seen in one patient (9%) with tennis elbow. The other patients in the placebo groups did not show significant improvement. This was statistically significant (chi square test) for both conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
The mobile lithotripter is an effective way of treating tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis but warrants further larger studies.
Mehra
A
A
Trauma and Orthopaedics, Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Llantrisant, South Wales, CF72 8XR. amehra@talk21.com
Zaman
T
T
Jenkin
A I R
AI
D036981:Fasciitis, Plantar / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D019220:High-Energy Shock Waves / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019233:Retreatment; D013716:Tennis Elbow / Q000628:therapy*