Effectiveness of Shock Wave Therapy in Tendon and Ligament Injuries of the Osteomioarticular System

Abstract

Introduction: Over more than 20 years, extracorporeal lithotripsy has been successfully used worldwide.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of shock wave therapy in the treatment of patients with injuries to the tendons and ligaments of the osteomioarticular system.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out with 107 patients diagnosed with injuries to the tendons and ligaments of the osteomioarticular system. These subjects were treated with the Well Wave equipment (extracorporeal shock waves) at Frank País International Orthopedic Scientific Center, from March 2019 to April 2020. The variables age, sex, pain and disability were analyzed. Absolute and relative frequencies were obtained, and the results of statistical information of the investigation was shown in summarizing tables.

Results: The female sex prevailed (71.9%), 51 - 60 years old (28%). 40.2% of the patients were treated for supraspinatus tendinitis. All patients had pain before the use of therapy. After treatment, 78.5% of the patients stopped feeling pain and 71% showed no disability according to DASH scale. According to the treatment response evaluation criteria, the results were satisfactory in 56% of the patients. Conclusions: This therapy enabled rapid recovery of the patients treated and their integration into daily activities.