[Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for the treatment of delayed union or non-union of fractures]

Warmuth M, Schumacher I
Record ID 32012000789
German
Authors' objectives: Since the early 1990s, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has been used for the treatment of non-union or delayed union. During ESWT, a characteristic shock wave is generated with the intent of easing pain and speeding up the healing process. This systematic review aims at summarising the evidence concerning the efficacy and safety of ESWT for the treatment of non-union or delayed union of fractures.
Authors' recommendations: In conclusion, there is a lack of evidence concerning ESWT for the treatment of non-union and delayed union of fractures, particularly in terms of efficacy. It is recommended to conduct prospective, (randomised) controlled trials comparing ESWT versus placebo (e.g. sham-ESWT), standardise the definitions and treatment protocols, consider the inclusion of homogeneous patient populations, take co-morbidities into account and assess patientrelevant outcomes. Moreover, it should be refrained from a further expansion to other indications like acute fractures.
Details
Project Status: Completed
Year Published: 2012
URL for published report: http://eprints.hta.lbg.ac.at/975/1/DSD_62.pdf
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: Austria
MeSH Terms
  • Fractures, Bone
  • Fractures, Ununited
  • Fracture Healing
Contact
Organisation Name: Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Health Technology Assessment
Contact Address: Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for fuer Health Technology Assessment (LBI-HTA), Garnisongasse 7/rechte Stiege Mezzanin (Top 20), 1090 Vienna, Austria. Tel: +43 1 236 8119 - 0 Fax: +43 1 236 8119 - 99
Contact Name: tarquin.mittermayr@aihta.at
Contact Email: office@aihta.at
Copyright: Ludwig Boltzmann Institut fuer Health Technology Assessment (LBI-HTA)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.