M T van Leeuwen1, J Zwerver, I van den Akker-Scheek. 1. Center for Sports Medicine, University Center for Sport, Exercise and Health, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (EWST) has become a popular treatment for patellar tendinopathy. The purpose of this review was to study the effectiveness of ESWT treatment for patellar tendinopathy; to draft guidelines for an effective treatment protocol of ESWT treatment; and to identify topics for further research. METHODS: A computerised search of the Medline and Embase databases was conducted on 1 August 2007, to identify studies dealing with the effectiveness of ESWT for patellar tendinopathy. RESULTS: Seven articles describing the effectiveness of ESWT on patellar tendinopathy, all published after 2000, were included. These studies included a total of 283 patients (298 tendons), 204 of whom (215 tendons) were assigned to ESWT treatment. The treatment results were positive but most studies had methodological deficiencies, small numbers and/or short follow-up periods. Method of application and shockwave generation, energy level, number and frequency of treatments, use of (local) anaesthesia and method of localisation were variable. CONCLUSION: ESWT seems to be a safe and promising treatment for patellar tendinopathy with a positive effect on pain and function. Based on current knowledge it is impossible to recommend a specific treatment protocol. Further basic and clinical research into the working mechanism and effectiveness of ESWT for patellar tendinopathy are necessary.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (EWST) has become a popular treatment for patellar tendinopathy. The purpose of this review was to study the effectiveness of ESWT treatment for patellar tendinopathy; to draft guidelines for an effective treatment protocol of ESWT treatment; and to identify topics for further research. METHODS: A computerised search of the Medline and Embase databases was conducted on 1 August 2007, to identify studies dealing with the effectiveness of ESWT for patellar tendinopathy. RESULTS: Seven articles describing the effectiveness of ESWT on patellar tendinopathy, all published after 2000, were included. These studies included a total of 283 patients (298 tendons), 204 of whom (215 tendons) were assigned to ESWT treatment. The treatment results were positive but most studies had methodological deficiencies, small numbers and/or short follow-up periods. Method of application and shockwave generation, energy level, number and frequency of treatments, use of (local) anaesthesia and method of localisation were variable. CONCLUSION: ESWT seems to be a safe and promising treatment for patellar tendinopathy with a positive effect on pain and function. Based on current knowledge it is impossible to recommend a specific treatment protocol. Further basic and clinical research into the working mechanism and effectiveness of ESWT for patellar tendinopathy are necessary.
Authors: H van der Worp; J Zwerver; M Hamstra; I van den Akker-Scheek; R L Diercks Journal: Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc Date: 2013-05-12 Impact factor: 4.342
Authors: John P Furia; Jan D Rompe; Angelo Cacchio; Angelo Del Buono; Nicola Maffulli Journal: Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc Date: 2012-05-25 Impact factor: 4.342
Authors: Henk van der Worp; Johannes Zwerver; Inge van den Akker-Scheek; Ron L Diercks Journal: BMC Musculoskelet Disord Date: 2011-10-11 Impact factor: 2.362
Authors: Johannes Zwerver; Evert Verhagen; Fred Hartgens; Inge van den Akker-Scheek; Ron L Diercks Journal: BMC Musculoskelet Disord Date: 2010-02-08 Impact factor: 2.362