Instrumented assisted soft tissue mobilization vs extracorporeal shock wave therapy in treatment of myofascial pain syndrome

BACKGROUND Active myofascial trigger points(TrPs)often occur in the upper region of the upper trapezius(UT)muscle.These TrPs can be a significant source of neck,shoulder,and upper back pain and headaches.These TrPs and their related pain and disability can adversely affect an individual’s everyday routine functioning,work-related productivity,and general quality of life.AIM To investigate the effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization(IASTM)vs extracorporeal shock wave therapy(ESWT)on the TrPs of the UT muscle.METHODS A randomized,single-blind,comparative clinical study was conducted at the Medical Center of the Egyptian Railway Station in Cairo.Forty patients(28 females and 12 males),aged between 20-years-old and 40-years-old,with active myofascial TrPs in the UT muscle were randomly assigned to two equal groups(A and B).Group A received IASTM,while group B received ESWT.Each group was treated twice weekly for 2 weeks.Both groups received muscle energy technique for the UT muscle.Patients were evaluated twice(pre-and posttreatment)for pain intensity using the visual analogue scale and for pain pressure threshold(PPT)using a pressure algometer.RESULTS Comparing the pre-and post-treatment mean values for all variables for group A,there were significant differences in pain intensity for TrP1 and TrP2(P=0.0001)and PPT for TrP1(P=0.0002)and TrP2(P=0.0001).Also,for group B,there were significant differences between the pre-and post-treatment pain intensity for TrP1 and TrP2 and PPT for TrP1 and TrP2(P=0.0001).There were no significant differences between the two groups in the post-treatment mean values of pain intensity for TrP1(P=0.9)and TrP2(P=0.76)and PPT for TrP1(P=0.09)and for TrP2(P=0.91).CONCLUSION IASTM and ESWT are effective methods for improving pain and PPT in patients with UT muscle TrPs.There is no significant difference between either treatment method.

Extracorporeal shock wave for plantar flexor spasticity in spinal cord injury:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Approximately 65%-78%of patients with a spinal cord injury(SCI)develop any symptom of spasticity.The aim of this study was to investigate the tolerability and short-term effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy(r ESWT)on plantar flexor spasticity in a patient with incomplete SCI.CASE SUMMARY An 18-year-old man with an incomplete SCI completed five sessions of r ESWT.The primary outcomes were the changes in ankle-passive range of motion(APROM)and passive resistive force to ankle dorsiflexion.The outcomes were assessed at baseline(T0),immediately after treatment(T1)and 1 wk after the end of treatment(T2).The A-PROM increased by 15 degrees at T1 and 25 degrees at T2 compared with T0.The passive resistive force to ankle dorsiflexion at low velocity decreased by 33%at T1 and 55%at T2 in the gastrocnemius muscle and by 41%at T1 and 39%at T2 in the soleus muscle compared with T0.At high velocity,it also decreased by 44%at T1 and 30%at T2 in the gastrocnemius muscle compared with T0.However,in the soleus muscle,the change was minor,with a decrease of 12%at T1 and increased by 39%at T2 compared with T0.CONCLUSION In this patient,the findings showed that r ESWT combined with conventional therapy was well-tolerated and could be effective in improving A-PROM and passive resistive force to ankle dorsiflexion in the short-term.Further randomized controlled clinical trials with longer period of follow-up are necessary to confirm the results obtained in patients with SCI.

Research progress of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common and frequently occurring disease in clinic.It is a kind of local aseptic inflammation caused by chronic strain.In severe cases,pain is unbearable,which affects the quality of life of patients.Extracorporeal shock wave(ESW)is a new non-invasive treatment for bone and muscle diseases.It can significantly relieve the pain and other symptoms of patients with plantar fasciitis,and promote the functional recovery of patients.In order to provide reference for the clinical treatment of plantar fasciitis,this paper reviews the literature of extracorporeal shock wave treatment of plantar fasciitis at home and abroad.

Outcome of a session of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for problematic and large common bile duct stones

AIM To compare the efficacy of a session of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy(ESWL) before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) vs ERCP only for problematic and large common bile duct(CBD) stones.METHODS Adult patients with CBD stones for whom initial ERCP was unsuccessful because of the large size of CBD stones were identified. The patients were randomized into two groups,an "ESWL + ERCP group" and an "ERCP-only" group. For ESWL + ERCP cases,ESWL was performed prior to ERCP. Clearance of the CBD,complications related to the ESWL/ERCP procedure,frequency of mechanical lithotripsy use and duration of the ERCP procedure were evaluated in both groups.RESULTS There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups. A session of ESWL before ERCP compared with ERCP only resulted in similar outcomes in terms of successful stone removal within the first treatment session(74.2% vs 71.0%,P = 0.135),but a higher clearance rate within the second treatment session(84.4% vs 51.6%,P = 0.018) and total stone clearance(96.0% vs 86.0%,P = 0.029). Moreover,ESWL prior to ERCP not only reduced ERCP procedure time(43 ± 21 min vs 59 ± 28 min,P = 0.034) and the rate of mechanical lithotripsy use(20% vs 30%,P = 0.025),but also raised the clearance rate of extremely large stones(80.0% vs 40.0%,P = 0.016). Post-ERCP complications were similar for the two groups.CONCLUSION Based on the higher rate of successful stone removal and minimal complications,ESWL prior to ERCP appears to be a safe and effective treatment for the endoscopic removal of problematic and large CBD stones.

Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy for midshaft clavicular delayed union: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND One of the most common complications following surgery for midshaft clavicle fracture is nonunion/delayed union.Extracorporeal shock wave therapy(ESWT)is an alternative to promote new bone formation without surgical complications.To date,no literature has reported low-intensity ESWT(LI-ESWT)in delayed union of midshaft clavicle fracture.CASE SUMMARY We reported a 66-year-old Chinese amateur cyclist with clavicle delayed union treated with 10 sessions of LI-ESWT(radial,0.057 mJ/mm^(2),3 Hz,3000 shocks).No anesthetics were applied,and no side effects occurred.At the 4 mo and 7 mo follow-ups,the patient achieved clinical and radiographical recovery,respectively.CONCLUSION In conclusion,our findings indicated that LI-ESWT could be a good option for treating midshaft clavicular delayed union.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy treatment of painful hematoma in the calf:A case report

BACKGROUND Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) can be applied to variousmusculoskeletal conditions including calcific tendinitis. Muscle injuries can leadto hematomas, and unabsorbed hematomas sometimes cause pain. We report acase of painful hematoma successfully treated with ESWT. To our knowledge, thisis the first reported case of painful intramuscular hematoma treated with ESWT.CASE SUMMARY A 65-year-old man visited the outpatient department for left calf pain withswelling that had persisted since he slipped two weeks prior. The calf pain hadpersisted and was rated visual analog scale 7. On physical examination, there wasa localized, stiff, ovoid mass on his left upper posterior calf. The pain wasaggravated by dorsiflexion of the left ankle or weight-bearing on the left foot.Initial diagnostic ultrasonography showed a hematoma in the left gastrocnemiusmuscle;its texture was firm with low heterogeneity. We applied ESWT to thehematoma. His pain decreased immediately to a visual analog scale 3, and themass was softened. The texture of the hematoma became more heterogeneous onultrasonography. Due to planned overseas travel, he returned three months afterthe initial visit to report that the pain and swelling were dramatically relievedafter ESWT.CONCLUSION We propose that painful hematomas could be a new indication for ESWT. Furtherinvestigation on the effects of ESWT for hematomas is needed.

Clinical Study on the Effects of Electroacupuncture Combined with Extracorporeal Shock Wave in the Treatment of Periarthritis of Shoulder

Objective:To investigate the clinical effects of electroacupuncture combined with extracorporeal shock wave in the treatment of periarthritis of shoulder.Methods:136 patients with periarthritis of shoulder admitted to our hospital from September 2018 to September 2019 were randomly divided into two groups by double-blind method.68 patients in the control group were treated with extracorporeal shock wave;68 patients in the observation group were treated with electroacupuncture combined with extracorporeal shock wave.The shoulder joint pain,joint function and activities of daily living were compared between the two groups.Results:The VAS score of shoulder joint pain in the observation group after treatment(1.92±0.24)was lower than that in the control group(3.51±0.32),and the UCLA score of shoulder joint function(31.28±1.96)was higher than that of the control group(27.42±2.36),the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,the active degree of forward flexion and extension of shoulder joint in the observation group was higher than those of the control group,and the activities of daily living was higher than that of the control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05)Conclusion:Electroacupuncture combined with extracorporeal shock wave treatment for periarthritis of shoulder has achieved ideal effects,safety and non-invasiveness,and can quickly restore the functions of shoulder joints.

Changes of serum β2-MG, Cys C and urine mAlb levels in patients with ureteral calculi before and after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and their clinical significance

Objective:To investigate the changes of serumβ2 microglobulin(β2-MG),cystatin C(CysC)and urine microalbumin(mAlb)levels in patients with ureteral calculi before and after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and their clinical significance.Methods Sixty-eight patients with ureteral calculi admitted to the hospital between June 2018 and June 2019 were selected as the observation group.35 volunteers who received physical elimination in the hospital during the same period were selected as the control group.Levels ofβ2-MG,Cys C and urine mAlb in the observation group were compared before and after treatment,and compared with those in the control group.Changes in serumβ2-MG,Cys C and urine mAlb levels and renal function indicators[blood urea nitrogen(BUN),serum creatinine(SCr)]in patients with different prognosis in the observation group after treatment were analyzed.The value of serumβ2-MG,Cys C and urine mAlb levels in the diagnosis and treatment of ureteral calculi was analyzed with ROC curve.The correlations between serumβ2-MG,Cys C and urine mAlb levels and renal function indexes were analyzed.Results Serumβ2-MG,Cys C and urine mAlb levels in the observation group before treatment were significantly higher than those in the same group after treatment or those in the control group(P<0.05).Serumβ2-MG,Cys C and urine mAlb levels,BUN and SCr in patients with residual stones were significantly higher than those in patients without(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the sensitivity and the area under the curve of combined detection of serumβ2-MG,Cys C and urine mAlb levels for evaluating the curative effect of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy on ureteral calculi were significantly higher/larger than those of single detection of the three(P<0.05).Partial correlation analysis showed that serumβ2-MG,Cys C and urine mAlb levels were positively correlated with BUN and SCr(P<0.05).Conclusion There are obvious changes of serumβ2-MG,Cys C and urine mAlb levels in patients with ureteral calculi before and after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.The combined detection of the three indexes is helpful for the early diagnosis of ureteral calculi and the evaluation of renal function after lithotripsy.They can provide reference for protecting renal function in patients with ureteral calculi treated by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

Extracorporeal shock wave treatment for non-inflammatory chronic pelvic pain syndrome： a prospective, randomized and sham-controlled study

Background Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome （CP/CPPS） is a clinical syndrome characterized by pain in the perineum,pelvis,suprapubic area,or external genitalia and variable degrees of voiding and ejaculatory disturbance.The analgesic effect of extracorporeal shock wave treatment （ESWT） was an interesting phenomenon with an unclear mechanism discovered by chance in the applications for urolithiasis,on which ESWT has become an increasingly popular therapeutic approach as an alternative option for the treatment of a number of soft tissue complaints.In this study,we aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of ESWT in non-inflammatory （ⅢB） CP/CPPS.Methods Men diagnosed with ⅢB CP/CPPS were randomized to either ESWT （group 1,n=40） or the control （group 2,n=40）.Group 1 received 20 000 shock wave impulses in 10 sessions over a two-week period,whereas group 2 received only a sham procedure.The total scores and sub-domain scores of the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index （NIH-CPSI） for both groups were assessed at baseline,mid-treatment,end-point,and 4-week and 12-week follow-up visits.Results The mean total NIH-CPSI score of group 1 was significantly decreased from baseline at all post-treatment time points （P 〈0.01 for all）.Decreases in pain domain and quality of life （QOL） scores were also significant.In group 2,no significant decreases of total NIH-CPSI score and pain domain score were found at all post-treatment time points.At the end-point of treatment,71.1% of group 1 exhibited perceptible improvement in total NIH-CPSI compared with 27.0% of group 2 （P 〈0.001）; additionally,28.9% of group 1 exhibited clinically significant improvement compared with 10.8% of group 2 （P 〈0.01）.Moreover,a greater number of patients in group 1 at 4-week and 12-week follow-up were rated as responders （perceptible and clinically significant response） compared with group 2.Conclusion ESWT exhibits a potentially therapeutic role in the treatment of CP/CPPS.

Effects of Roughly Focused Extracorporeal Shock Waves Therapy on the Expressions of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 and Osteoprotegerin in Osteoporotic Fracture in Rats

Background：Roughly focused extracorporeal shock waves therapy （ESWT） is characterized by a wide focal area,a large therapy zone,easy positioning,and less pain during treatment.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of roughly focused ESWT on the expression of osteoprotegerin （OPG） and bone morphogenetic protein-2 （BMP-2） in osteoporotic fractures in rats.Methods：Seventy-two female Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats,3 months old,were divided into sham-operated group （n =6） and an ovariectomized （OVX） group （n =66）.Sixty OVX SD rats were used as a model of double proximal tibial osteotomy and inner fixation.The osteotomy site in the left tibia was treated with roughly focused ESWT once at an energy density of 0.26 mJ/mm^2,60 doses/min,and 2000 pact quantities.The contralateral right tibia was left untreated and served as a control.Expression of OPG and BMP-2 in the callus of the osteoporotic fracture area was assessed using immunohistochemistry,real-time polymerase chain reaction （PCR）,and Western blotting analysis.Results：Bone mineral density （BMD） at the proximal tibia,femur,and L5 spine was significantly reduced after ovariectomy.BMD of proximal tibia was 12.9% less in the OVX group than that in the sham-operated group.Meanwhile,bilateral oophorectomy resulted in a lower trabecular bone volume fraction （BV/TV） in the proximal tibia of the sham-OVX animals.Three months after bilateral oophorectomy,BV/TV was 14.29% of baseline BV/TV in OVX legs versus 45.91% in the sham-OVX legs （P 〈 0.001）.These data showed that the SD rats became a suitable model of osteoporosis,3 months after they were OVX.Immunohistochemical analysis showed higher levels of BMP-2 and OPG expression in the treatment group than those in the control group.Compared with the contralateral controls,decreased expression of OPG and BMP-2 at 3 days after roughly focused ESWT,followed by a later increase at 7 days,was indicated by real-time PCR and Western blotting analysis.The OPG messenger RNA （mRNA） expression levels peaked at 6 weeks after the shock wave treatment,paired with a much earlier （at 4 weeks） increase of BMP-2,and declined close to normal at 8 weeks.Conclusions：Roughly focused ESWT may promote the expression of OPG and BMP-2 in the osteoporotic fracture area in rats.BMP-2 and OPG may act synergistically and may lead to a significant enhancement of bone formation and remodeling.

Usefulness of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the spasticity of the subscapularis in patients with stroke： a pilot study

Background There are not many studies about treatment of shoulder spasticity. Although botulinum toxin injection has been reported to be effective for shoulder spasticity, the effectiveness was judged by pain and limited motion change, but not the spasticity itself. Shoulder spasticity is considered to play an important role in hemiplegic frozen shoulder. However, the subscapularis muscle, unlike the pectoralis major muscle, is located deep beneath scapula, where conventional injection is difficult to perform. As extracorporeal shock wave therapy （ESWT） has been reported to be effective for spasticity relief, and we thought spasticity of subscapularis muscle located deep beneath the scapula would be a good candidate for ESWT treatment. This study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of radial ESWT （rESWT） on spastic subscapularis muscle in stroke patients. Methods This is an uncontrolled, prospective, unicenter, clinical pilot study. Stroke patients （n=57; mean age 55.4 years） with spastic shoulders were recruited between June 2011 and February 2012 at the University Rehabilitation Hospital. rESWT was administered to each patient every two or three days for two weeks （five total treatments）. Evaluation consisted of 11 measurements for each patient; at the start of each of the five treatments and once per week during the following six weeks. Spasticity was measured at external rotator muscles of the shoulder using the modified Ashworth scale （MAS）, and passive range of motion （ROM） of the shoulder in external rotation was recorded. Pain was measured using a visual analogue scale （VAS） during passive ROM of the shoulder in external rotation, and was additionally recorded for patients who preserved cognitive and communicative ability （Pain group）. Results Reduction in MAS and VAS and improvement of ROM during and after rESWT treatments were prominent compared to baseline. The reduction in MAS and VAS and improvement of ROM continued four weeks after the last treatment and the effects of the treatment decreased afterward. Conclusion rESWT will be able to provide stroke patients with an effective and safe procedure for the reduction of spasticity and pain as well as for the improvement of ROM of spastic shoulders.

Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy for Peyronie’s disease:a single-center experience

The aim of this article is to assess the outcomes of a low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy(LiESWT)protocol for the treatment of Peyronie’s disease(PD).Patients treated for PD were prospectively recorded,and data were retrospectively reviewed.Age,characteristics of fibrous plaques,concomitant treatments,International Index of Erectile Function(IIEF-5),Lue score,and pain score on Likert scale were collected.Patients in acute phase of PD and an angulation of<40°were included.The protocol consisted of 6 weekly sessions of 4000 pulses each,applied from different directions,with a maximal power of 20 W and 8 Hz frequency.We included 39 patients(median age:56.8 years,interquartile range[IQR]:35.8–62.2 years).The median number of sessions received per patient was 7.2.After treatment,the median Lue score decreased from 6.8 initially to 3.3(P=0.003),the median Likert pain score dropped from 1.8 to 0.7(P=0.004),the median plaque size was reduced from 2 cm to 1.2 cm(P=0.08),and the median penile curvature diminished from 31°to 17°(P=0.07).On univariate and multivariate analysis,the only predictors of success were younger age(odds ratio[OR]=0.95,P=0.03 and OR=0.91,P=0.04,respectively)and concomitant use of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors(PDE5i;OR=0.92,P=0.02 and OR=0.93,P=0.01,respectively).LiESWT had a favorable impact on Lue score and notably penile pain,curvature,plaque size,and erectile function in patients treated for PD during the early inflammatory phase,with no side effects.Younger age and concomitant use of PDE5i were the only success predictors.

Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy promotes recovery of sciatic nerve injury and the role of mechanical sensitive YAP/TAZ signaling pathway for nerve regeneration

Background:Histological and functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury(PNI)is of significant clinical value as delayed surgical repair and longer distances to innervate terminal organs may account for poor outcomes.Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy(LiESWT)has already been proven to be beneficial for injured tissue recovery on various pathological conditions.The objective of this study was to explore the potential effect and mechanism of LiESWT on PNI recovery.Methods:In this project,we explored LiESWT’s role using an animal model of sciatic nerve injury(SNI).Shockwave was delivered to the region of the SNI site with a special probe at 3 Hz,500 shocks each time,and 3 times a week for 3 weeks.Rat Schwann cells(SCs)and rat perineurial fibroblasts(PNFs)cells,the two main compositional cell types in peripheral nerve tissue,were cultured in vitro,and LiESWT was applied through the cultured dish to the adherent cells.Tissues and cell cultures were harvested at corresponding time points for a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,Western blotting,and immunofluorescence staining.Multiple groups were compared by using one-way analysis of variance followed by the Tukey-Kramer test for post hoc comparisons.Results:LiESWT treatment promoted the functional recovery of lower extremities with SNI.More nerve fibers and myelin sheath were found after LiESWT treatment associated with local upregulation of mechanical sensitive yes-associated protein(YAP)/transcriptional co-activator with a PDZ-binding domain(TAZ)signaling pathway.In vitro results showed that SCs were more sensitive to LiESWT than PNFs.LiESWT promoted SCs activation with more expression of p75(a SCs dedifferentiation marker)and Ki67(a SCs proliferation marker).The SCs activation process was dependent on the intact YAP/TAZ signaling pathway as knockdown of TAZ by TAZ small interfering RNA significantly attenuated this process.Conclusion:The LiESWT mechanical signal perception and YAP/TAZ upregulation in SCs might be one of the underlying mechanisms for SCs activation and injured nerve axon regeneration.

Efficacy of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy compared with botulinum toxin type A injection in treatment of lower extremity spasticity in subjects with cerebral palsy: A randomized, controlled, cross-over study

Objectives To investigate whether botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection is more effective than radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy in reducing plantar flexor muscle spasticity in subjects with cerebral palsy.Methods A total of 68 subjects with cerebral palsy were randomly allocated to BTX-A injection (Group 1) or radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Group 2) (first experiment;E1). Outcome was evaluated using the Tardieu V1 and V3 stretches, at 3 weeks, 2 months (M2) and M3 after baseline. At M6 subjects in Group 1 received radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy and subjects in Group 2 received BTX-A injection (second experiment;E2);outcome was evaluated as in E1. Treatment success was defined as improvement in foot dorsiflexion ≥10° when performing the V3 stretch at M2 in both experiments.Results In both experiments mean V1 and V3 significantly improved over time. In E1 both treatments resulted in similar treatment success. In E2 fewer subjects treated with BTX-A injection reached the criteria of treatment success than did subjects treated with radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy, which was due to a carry-over effect from E1. No significant complications were observed.Conclusion BTX-A injection is not superior to radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of plantar flexor muscle spasticity in subjects with cerebral palsy.

Long-term efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on lower limb post-stroke spasticity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objectives The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the long-term efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) on reducing lower limb post-stroke spasticity in adults.Methods A systematic electronic search of PubMed/ MEDLINE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE(R), and search engine of Google Scholar was performed. Publications that ranged from January 2010 to August 2020, published in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian language and available as full texts were eligible for inclusion and they were searched without any restrictions of country. The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and followed the recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Two authors screened the references, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. The primary outcome was spasticity grade mainly assessed by the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Secondary outcomes were passive range of motion (PROM), pain intensity, electrophysiological parameters, gait assessment, and adverse events.Results A total of seven recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, and a beneficial effect on spasticity was found. The high level of evidence presented in this paper showed that ESWT ameliorates spasticity considering the parameters: MAS: standardized mean difference (SMD)=0.53;95% confidence interval (95% CI): (0.07-0.99);Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS): SMD=0.56;95% CI: (0.01-1.12);Visual Analogue Scale (VAS): SMD=0.35;95% CI: (-0.21-0.91);PROM: SMD=0.69;95% CI: (0.20-1.19).Conclusions ESWT presented long-term efficacy on lower limb post-stroke spasticity, reduced pain intensity, and increased range of motion. The effect of this novel and non-invasive therapy was significant and the intervention did not present adverse events, proving a satisfactory safety profile.

Indications and contraindications for shock wave lithotripsy and how to improve outcomes

For over 35 years shock wave lithotripsy has proven to be an effective,safe and truly minimally invasive option for the treatment of nephrolithiasis.Various technical factors as well as patient selection can impact the success of the procedure.We used published work focusing on outcomes of shock wave lithotripsy,risk of complications,and strategies for improving stone fragmentation to create this review.Multiple patient and technical factors have been found to impact success of treatment.Skin to stone distance,stone density and composition,size and location of the stone within the urinary system all influence stone free rates.A slower rate with a gradual increasing voltage,precise targeting,proper coupling will improve stone fragmentation and decrease risk of complications.The selection of appropriate patients through a shared decision making process and attention to the technical factors that improve stone free rates is key to providing an effective treatment and patient satisfaction.

Synergetic effects of shock waves with polydeoxyribonucleotides on rotator cuff tendon tear in a rabbit model

This work aimed to investigate the synergetic therapeutic effects of polydeoxyribonucleotides(PDRN)combined with extracorporeal shock waves therapy(ESWT)and the effects of the therapy according to ESWT sequences on a chronic traumatic full-thickness rotator cuff tear(RCT)in rabbit models.For this purpose,thirty-two rabbits were randomly allocated into 4 groups.An excision was made to create a 5-mm sized full-thickness RCT right proximal to the insertion site on the supraspinatus.After 6 weeks,4 different procedures(normal saline,Group 1;PDRN injection,Group 2;PDRN injection before ESWT,Group 3;PDRN injection after ESWT,Group 4)were performed.PDRN injection and radial type ESWT were each performed 4 times per week.Gross morphology,Immunohistochemistry,and motion analysis were performed at 4 weeks after treatments.All parameters including tear size,Masson’s trichrome(MT)staining,anti-collagen 1 monoclonal antibody immunostaining(COL-1),proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),anti-platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 polyclonal antibody(PECAM-1),and motion analysis,were significantly greater in Group 2,Group 3,and Group 4 than in Group 1.In Group 4,all parameters were significantly greater than in Group 2,and parameters including MT staining,COL-1,PCNA,PECAM-1,and fast walking time were significantly greater than Group 3.There were no significant differences between Group 2 and Group 3.This study demonstrated that PDRN injection alone and combined with ESWT were more effective than control treatment and applying ESWT before PDRN injection was also shown to yield better outcomes in parameters including angiogenesis,cell proliferation,and fast walking time in a rabbit model with chronic traumatic full-thickness RCT.Therefore,the application of ESWT before PDRN injection could be recommended for optimal outcomes of the conservative treatments when the patients with full-thickness RCT are not suitable in surgical treatment.

Synergic use of botulinum toxin injection and radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy in Multiple Sclerosis spasticity

Background and aim In Multiple Sclerosis(MS)spasticity worsen patient′s quality of life.Botulinum NeuroToxin TypeA(BoNT-A)is extensively used in focal spasticity,frequently combined with physical therapies.Radial extracorporeal shock waves(rESW)were already used in association with BoNT-A.Considering that loss of efficacy and adverse events are determinants of BoNT-A treatment interruption,this study aimed to evaluate the possibility to prolong BoNT-A′s effect by using rESW in MS focal spasticity.Methods Sixteen MS patients with spasticity of triceps surae muscles were first subjected to BoNT-A therapy and,four months later,to 4 sections of rESWT.Patients were evaluated before,30,90 days after the end of the treatments,by using Modified Ashworth Scale(MAS),Modified Tardieu Scale(MTS)and kinematic analysis of passive and active ankle ROM.Results BoNT-A determined a significant reduction of spasticity evaluated by MAS with a reduction of positive effects after 4months(P<0.05);MTS highlighted the efficacy only 90 days after injection(P<0.05).rESWT decreased MAS values at the end and 30 days later the treatment(P<0.01);MTS values showed instead a prolonged effect(P<0.01).BoNT-A determined a gain of passive and active ankle ROM,persisting along with treatment and peaking the maximum value after rESWT(P<0.05).Conclusions rESWT can prolong BoNT-A effect inducing significant reduction of spasticity and improvement in passive and active ankle ROM in MS patients.The use of rESWT following BoNT-A injection is useful to avoid some limitations and to prolong the therapeutic effects of BoNT-A therapy.

Radial shock wave therapy in the treatment of chronic constriction injury model in rats： a preliminary study

Background Pain physicians pay close attention to neuropathic pain （NP）,since there is currently no ideal treatment.Radial shock wave therapy （RSWT） is a noninvasive treatment to chronic pain of soft tissue disorders.So far,there is no information on the use of RSWT for the treatment of NP.Therefore we observe the effects of RSWT on a NP model induced by chronic constriction injury （CCI） in rats.Methods Four different energy densities （1.0,1.5,2.0 and 2.5 bar） RSWT administered as a single session or repeated sessions in rats with NP induced by CCI of the sciatic nerve.The analgesic effect was assessed by measuring mechanical withdrawal threshold （MWT） and thermal withdrawal latency （TWL）.The safety was assessed through calculating sciatic functional index （SFI）.Results MWT and TWL increased after a single session of RSWT from day 1 to day 5 but retumed to baseline levels by day 10.Following repeated sessions of RSWT,both the MWT and TWL were significantly higher than NP group （P ＜ 0.01）for at least 4 weeks.In addition,no significant changes of SFI were observed in any groups after repeated sessions of RSWT and no increased pain or other side effects in any animals.Conclusions A single session of RSWT is rapidly effective in the treatment of CCI,but the efficacy maintained in a short period.However,repeated sessions of RSWT have prolonged efficacy.

ESWL for difficult bile duct stones:A 15-year single centre experience

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy(ESWL)for the management of refractory bile duct cholelithiasis in a third level referral centre.METHODS:The clinical records of all patients treated with a second generation electromagnetic lithotripter (Lithostar Plus,SIEMENS)from October 1990 to April 2005 were evaluated.All patients were monitored during the procedure and antibiotics were administered in case of cholangitis.Theχ 2 test and logistic regression analysis were performed as appropriate.RESULTS:Two hundred and fourteen patients(102 males,112 females;mean age 74.8±0.84 years-single stone 97,multiple stones 117)underwent ESWL.The mean number of sessions and shock waves were 3.5 ±0.13 and 3477.06±66.17,respectively.The maximum stone size was 5 cm.Complete stone clearance was achieved in 192(89.7%)patients.Of the remain-ing patients 15 required surgery,2 a palliative stent and in 5 patients stone fragmentation led to effective bile drainage with clinical resolution despite incomplete clearance.Age,sex and stone characteristics were not related to treatment outcome.Major complications occurred in two patients(haemobilia and rectal bleeding) and minor complications in 25(3 vomiting,22 arrhythmias).No procedure-related deaths occurred.CONCLUSION:ESWL is a safe and effective technique for clearance of refractory bile duct stones.