title: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in orthopaedic diseases.
abstract: The application of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) as a treatment for different orthopaedic conditions has experienced a rapid increase over the last several years. However the mechanism of action and the therapeutic effect is not clear. The aim of this study was to review the literature about the efficacy of ESWT in the treatment of plantar fasciitis, lateral epicondylitis, shoulder painful disorders and non-union fractures. Only randomized controlled studies published in the last 5 years were retrieved from electronic database and manual search. Results on efficacy of ESWT are controversial. Studies that have claimed therapeutic benefit did not fulfill scientific criteria and controlled randomized trials were not able to confirm significant improvement after treatment with ESWT.
authors.affiliation: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Department, Rashid Hospital, Dubai, UAE. s4965@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Suad
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Trebinjac
authors.forename: Emela
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mujić-Skikić
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ninković
authors.forename: Eldin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Karaiković
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000379:methods; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome