A complication due to shock wave therapy resembling calcaneal stress fracture

Outcomes Using Focused Shockwave for Treatment of Bone Stress Injury in Runners

Bone stress injury (BSI) is a common overuse injury that can result in prolonged time away from sport. Limited studies have characterized the use of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for the treatment of BSI. The purpose of this study was to describe the use of ESWT for the management of BSI in runners. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify eligible patients in a single physician's clinic from 1 August 2018 to 30 September 2022. BSI was identified in 40 runners with 41 injuries (28 females; average age and standard deviation: 30 ± 13 years; average pre-injury training 72 ± 40 km per week). Overall, 63% (n = 26) met the criteria for moderate- or high-risk Female or Male Athlete Triad categories. Runners started ESWT at a median of 36 days (IQR 11 to 95 days; range 3 days to 8 years) from BSI diagnosis. On average, each received 5 ± 2 total focused ESWT treatments. Those with acute BSI (ESWT started <3 months from BSI diagnosis) had an average return to run at 12.0 ± 7.5 weeks, while patients with delayed union (>3 months, n = 3) or non-union (>6 months, n = 9) had longer time for return to running (19.8 ± 14.8 weeks, p = 0.032). All runners returned to pain-free running after ESWT except one runner with non-union of grade 4 navicular BSI who opted for surgery. No complications were observed with ESWT. These findings suggest that focused ESWT may be a safe treatment for the management of BSI in runners.

[Poor results and complications in the use of focused shockwaves and radial pressure waves in musculoskeletal pathology]

The application of focused shockwaves and radial pressure waves in musculoskeletal pathology has had a great development in the last decade. Although most of the publications have highlighted their safety and efficacy, poor results and complications can occur. This review analyzes the main causes of its poor results, adverse effects, and complications, emphasizing their prevention.

Early-Application Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis in a Chiropractic Clinic: A Case Report

Objective

The purpose of this report is to describe the successful management of plantar fasciitis (PF) using only extracorporeal shockwave therapy.

Clinical Features

A 26-year-old male former athlete presented with insidious right posterior medial foot pain of 3 months' duration. He reported a past history of similar symptoms 12 years previously and was successfully treated with tape, ice, and electric stimulation. For the current episode, he attempted to manage with orthotics, motor nerve stimulation, and ice, and when that was insufficient, he sought care in our clinic. Initial history and evaluation found provocation of pain and functional limitations while wearing dress shoes, running, and playing basketball. Examination found palpatory tenderness at the medial aspect of the distal right calcaneus, and pain with right ankle dorsiflexion. Radiographs were unremarkable. Patient presentation and exam findings supported a working diagnosis of PF.

Intervention and Outcomes

Treatment was applied with a Richard Wolf WellWave low-energy shockwave therapy unit with focused dosage of 4000 shock pulsations at 10-mm depth to the site of pain. Treatment was applied 11 × over 5 weeks, after which the patient reported a complete resolution of pain and resumption of all activities.

Conclusion

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy appeared to be an effective treatment approach for the management of this patient's PF.

Effect of Shockwave Treatment for Management of Upper and Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Narrative Review

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a technology that was first introduced into clinical practice in 1982 for urologic conditions. Subsequent clinical applications in musculoskeletal conditions have been described in treatment of plantar fasciopathy, both upper and lower extremity tendinopathies, greater trochanteric pain syndrome, medial tibial stress syndrome, management of nonunion fractures, and joint disease including avascular necrosis. The aim of this review is to summarize the current understanding of treatment of musculoskeletal conditions with ESWT, accounting for differences in treatment protocol and energy levels. Complications from ESWT are rare but include 2 reported cases of injury to bone and Achilles tendon rupture in older adults using focused shockwave. Collectively, studies suggest ESWT is generally well-tolerated treatment strategy for multiple musculoskeletal conditions commonly seen in clinical practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.