Evidence of restorative therapies in the treatment of Peyronie disease: A narrative review

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the evidence of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Stem cells therapy (SCT) and Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWL) for the treatment of Peyronies disease (PD), including information from the main urological society guidelines. Materials and Methods: A literature review of PubMed articles published between 2000 and 2023 was conducted, utilizing keywords such as "Peyronie's Disease", "Penile curvature", "Platelet Rich Plasma", "Stem cells", and "Extracorporeal shockwave therapy". Only full-text articles in English were included, excluding case reports and opinions. Results: A considerable number of clinical trials were conducted using PRP penile injections for therapy of PD, showing reduction of curvature, plaque size and improvement in quality of life. Preclinical studies in rats have shown the potential benefit of adipose-derived stem cells, with improvements in erectile function and fibrosis. Human studies with mesenchymal stem cells demonstrated promising results, with reduction of curvature and plaque size. ESWL effects on PD were investigated in randomized clinical trials and demonstrated no significant impact in curvature or plaque size, but reasonable effect on pain control. Conclusion: Restorative therapies has emerged as an innovative treatment option for PD and the results from current studies appear to be promising and demonstrated good safety profile. Unfortunately, due to scarce evidence, PRP and SCT are still considered experimental by American Urological Association (AUA) and European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines. ESWT is recommended, by the same guidelines, for pain control only. More high-quality studies with long-term follow-up outcomes are needed to evaluate efficacy and reproducibility of those therapies.

Evidence of restorative therapies in the treatment of Peyronie disease: A narrative review.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the evidence of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Stem cells therapy (SCT) and Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWL) for the treatment of Peyronies disease (PD), including information from the main urological society guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature review of PubMed articles published between 2000 and 2023 was conducted, utilizing keywords such as "Peyronie's Disease", "Penile curvature", "Platelet Rich Plasma", "Stem cells", and "Extracorporeal shockwave therapy". Only full-text articles in English were included, excluding case reports and opinions. RESULTS: A considerable number of clinical trials were conducted using PRP penile injections for therapy of PD, showing reduction of curvature, plaque size and improvement in quality of life. Preclinical studies in rats have shown the potential benefit of adipose-derived stem cells, with improvements in erectile function and fibrosis. Human studies with mesenchymal stem cells demonstrated promising results, with reduction of curvature and plaque size. ESWL effects on PD were investigated in randomized clinical trials and demonstrated no significant impact in curvature or plaque size, but reasonable effect on pain control. CONCLUSION: Restorative therapies has emerged as an innovative treatment option for PD and the results from current studies appear to be promising and demonstrated good safety profile. Unfortunately, due to scarce evidence, PRP and SCT are still considered experimental by American Urological Association (AUA) and European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines. ESWT is recommended, by the same guidelines, for pain control only. More high-quality studies with long-term follow-up outcomes are needed to evaluate efficacy and reproducibility of those therapies.

Effect of extracorporeal shockwave therapy on plantar fascia thickness in plantar fasciitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has been used as a therapeutic option for plantar fasciitis. The objective was to investigate the effect of ESWT over the plantar fascia thickness. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases were searched for randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of ESWT in patients with plantar fasciitis, comparing ESWT with another treatment. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model and the generic inverse variance method. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were also carried out. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies (867 participants) were included. ESWT significantly decreased plantar fascia thickness (weighted mean difference [WMD], -0.21 mm [95% CI -0.39, -0.02]; p = 0.03). No significant improvement in pain was observed (WMD, -0.51 cm [95% CI -1.04, 0.01]; p = 0.06) compared with non-surgical interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that plantar fascia thickness is significantly decreased after ESWT intervention in patients with plantar fasciitis. However, pain relief was not significantly improved compared to other non-surgical interventions.

Immediate effect of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: A randomised placebo-controlled triple-blind trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the immediate effects of shockwave therapy using two different tips in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. DESIGN: Randomised placebo-controlled study with three intervention groups. SETTING: The patients recruited for this study were sent for physiotherapy treatment at primary care between May and July 2022. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-one patients with chronic non-specific low back pain aged 18-80 years with pain for ≥3 months and pain intensity ≥3 were randomly recruited for the study. INTERVENTION: The patients received a single intervention of radial shockwave therapy with 2000 discharges at 100 mJ energy and 5 Hz frequency using concave or convex tips or placebo treatment. MAIN MEASURES: The primary outcome was pain intensity immediately post-intervention. The secondary outcomes were pressure pain threshold, temporal summation of pain, and functional performance. Data were collected at baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS: The post-intervention pain intensity in the concave tip group is an average of two points lower (95% CI = -3.6, -0.4; p < 0.01) than that in the placebo group. The post-intervention pressure pain threshold for the concave tip group was an average of 62.8 kPa higher (95% CI = 0.4, 125.1; p < 0.05) than for the convex tip group and 76.4 kPa higher (95% CI = 14, 138.7; p < 0.01) than in the placebo group. CONCLUSION: The concave tip shockwave therapy is effective in reducing pain and local hyperalgesia in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.

No dose response effect in shockwave therapy applied to bone conditions: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression.

Background: Shock waves have been widely used to treat bone conditions, but despite the articles and meta-analyses, there are still doubts about its effectiveness, with a meta-analysis pointing to uncertain evidence of positive effects for pain and delayed or non-union, while others point to a positive effect on the same outcomes. One hypothesis for this conflict in the results is the lack of research on the relationship between the applied dose and clinical outcomes. Purpose: Identify the effect of the dose applied in shockwave therapy on clinical results in bone conditions by meta-regression of controlled trials. Methods: Our search was conducted on PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science and Scopus in November 2022. The results of 3, 6, 12 and 24 months, post treatment of shockwave therapy of long bone fractures, osteonecrosis of femoral head and bone marrow edema were analyzed for pain, functional scores, size of lesion and non-union with meta-analysis and meta-regressions were conducted with the clinical results and the parameters of the quantity of pulses and energy flux density (EFD). Results: 3641 studies were retrieved and after the selection process eight of them were included for analyses. Shockwave therapy applied at the moment of surgery led to significant lower raw mean difference (RMD) pain scores at six months (RMD: -1.53[-2.58; -0.48], p=0.004) and at 3 and 12 months. Better functional standard mean difference (SMD) scores were found at six months (SMD: 0.83[0.32; 1.33], p<0.001) and at 3 and 24 months. A reduction in the size of lesion for the osteonecrosis of the femoral head was found at 12 months (RMD: -19.01[-35.63; -2.39], p=0.02). The meta-regression analyses showed no association between EFD (R2=0.00; p=0.42), or the number of pulses (R2=0.00; p=0.36) with pain scores; or EFD (R2=0.00; p=0.75), and the number of pulses (R2=0.00; p=0.65) with functional values. Discussion: The results point that shockwave therapy had positive effects in pain and functional scores at different time points after bone fractures or osteonecrosis of the femoral head, however, neither the quantity of pulses or the energy flux density showed any relationship with these positive outcomes.

Combinação de terapia por ondas de choque extracorpórea e agulhamento seco no tratamento de lombalgia crônica incapacitante: um relato de caso / Combination of extracorporeal shockwave therapy and dry needling as treatment of disabling chronic low back pain: a case report

Paciente do sexo masculino, 55 anos, apresentava antecedente clínico de radiculopatia lombar abordado cirurgicamente (discectomia e artrodese L5-S1) em dezembro de 2021, com resolução completa da dor associada. Iniciou com quadro de dor pós-operatória de características distintas. A primeira sessão de tratamento iniciou-se com terapia por ondas de choque extracorpóreas focal direcionada ao quadrado lombar, glúteo médio, glúteo mínimo e região peritrocantérica à direita. Posteriormente, associou-se agulhamento seco em pontos-gatilho presentes nesses mesmos 3 músculos e também no ligamento sacrotuberal direito, junto à inserção do glúteo máximo direito. Numa reavaliação uma semana depois, o paciente referiu uma redução de 70% da intensidade da dor inicial. O mesmo tratamento foi repetido, com resolução completa dos sintomas no final da sessão. Três meses depois, o doente manteve o controle álgico e recuperou totalmente a sua funcionalidade e qualidade de vida anteriores. Neste caso de limitação funcional a longo prazo devido a dor lombar crônica, a combinação da terapia por ondas de choque extracorporais e do agulhamento seco resultou num método eficaz e rápido para obter o alívio da dor e restaurar a funcionalidade anterior. No entanto, são necessários mais estudos para investigar o impacto desta combinação de terapias no controle da dor e na perda de funcionalidade devido à dor lombar crônica.

Male patient, 55 years old, had a clinical background of lumbar radiculopathy and a surgical approach (L5-S1 discectomy and arthrodesis) in December of 2021, with complete resolution of associated pain. One year later, the patient seeks medical treatment, referring a new, different pattern of low back pain, which initiated post-surgery. The first treatment session began with focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy directed at the right quadratus lumborum, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and peritrochanteric region. Afterwards, dry needling was associated in trigger-points present in those same 3 muscles and also in the right sacrotuberal ligament, close to the insertion of the right gluteus maximus. In a reevaluation one week later, the patient reported a reduction of 70% of initial pain intensity. The same treatment was repeated, with complete resolution of symptoms at the end of the session. Three months later, the patient-maintained symptom control and fully recovered his previous functionality and quality of life. In this case of long-term functional limitation due to chronic low back pain, the combination of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and dry needling resulted in an effective and quick method to achieve pain relief and restore previous functionality. However, more studies are needed to investigate the impact of this combination of therapies in pain management and functionality loss due to chronic low back pain.

Associação de estimulação por ondas de choque a toxina botulínica e baclofeno durante a reabilitação de paciente com lesão medular e trauma cranioencefálico: relato de caso / Association of extracorporeal shockwave stimulation to botulinum toxin and baclofen during an in-patient rehabilitation in spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury: case report

Recentemente, a terapia por ondas de choque extracorpóreas (TOCE) mostraram-se ser uma promissora tecnologia não invasiva para neuromodulação e recuperação funcional devido a melhora em brotamento neuronal, neuroproteção, controle de neuroplasticidade e reorganização neuronal, além de atuar em fatores de neurogênese. Objetivo: Descrever um caso que usa TOCE como um adjuvante na reabilitação de trauma medular. Relato de caso: LPS, 25 anos, estudante de medicina, sofreu uma queda de altura indeterminada com fratura de C5 e lesão medular associada a trauma cranioencefálico. Na fase aguda, ele se recuperou adequadamente, tendo sido submetido a descompressão e fixação de coluna e hospitalizado por 5 meses devido a disautonomias e infecções urinárias. Após esse período, ele iniciou um programa de reabilitação intensiva para tetraplegia espástica com classificação inicial segundo o ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) nível C5 motor e C6 sensório. O tratamento incluiu 10 sessões de TOCE, realizadas com Duolith SD1 (Storz Medical, Suíça) com uma densidade de energia de 0,25mJ/mm², 5 cm e 3 cm de profundidade de foco, 2000 pulsos aplicados na linha média de coluna níveis C5 a T1 e 2000 pulsos a 5 cm de profundidade aplicados em região plantar bilateral. Bloqueio com toxina botulínica e fenol foram realizados com resposta parcial apesar da dose otimizada de baclofeno.

Recently, extracorporeal shockwaves (ESWT) have shown as a promising non-invasive technology for neuromodulation and functional recovery, due to improving neuronal budding, neuroprotection, control of neuroplasticity and neuronal reorganization, in addition to acting on neurogenesis factors. Objective: To describe a case that uses ESWT as an adjuvant to the rehabilitation of spinal cord trauma. Case Report: LPS, 25 years old, medical student, suffered a fall from an undetermined height with C5 fracture and spinal cord injury, associated with a cranioencephalic trauma. In the acute phase, he was rescued properly, performed decompression and spinal cord fixation and remained hospitalized for 5 months due to dysautonomia and urinary infections. After this period, he started an intensive in-patient rehabilitation program for spastic tetraplegia with initial classification according to ASIA C5 (motor) and C6 (sensory). The treatment included 10 sessions of ESWT, made with Duolith SD1 (Storz Medical, Switzerland) with an Energy flux density 0,25 mJ/mm2, at 5cm and 3cm depth focus, 2000 pulses each over the spinal cord at the midline of levels from C5 to T1, and 2000 pulses at 5cm depth focus applied at plantar region bilaterally.

Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction - a narrative review

ABSTRACT Objectives: To provide an overview of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LIEST) for erectile dysfunction (ED), pointing out which concepts are already consolidated and which paths we still need to advance. Materials and Methods: We performed a narrative review of the literature on the role of shockwave therapies in erectile dysfunction, selecting publications in PUBMED, including only relevant clinical trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Results: We found 11 studies (7 clinical trials, 3 systematic review and 1 meta-analysis) that evaluated the use of LIEST for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. One clinical trial evaluated the applicability in Peyronie's Disease and one other clinical trial evaluated the applicability after radical prostatectomy. Conclusions: The literature presents little scientific evidence but suggests good results with the use of LIEST for ED. Despite a real optimism since it is a treatment modality capable of acting on the pathophysiology of ED, we must remain cautious, until a larger volume of higher quality studies allows us to establish which patient profile, type of energy and application protocol will achieve clinically satisfactory results.

Estimulação cerebral por pulsos sonoros de baixa frequência como coadjuvante nas alterações das funções corticais superiores / Non-invasive brain stimulation by low-frequency sound pulses as an adjunct to changes in higher cortical functions

Não há dúvidas sobre os prejuízos na vida humana, extensivos à família e sociedade como um todo, abrangendo todos os aspectos funcionais das pessoas envolvidas, além do indivíduo, originados dos traumatismos cranioencefálico, agudos e crônicos, externos ou internos: acidentes, atropelamentos, quedas, crimes, acidente vascular cerebral, doenças com neurodegeneração progressiva, resultando em estados demenciais. Ao longo de meio século, houve a introdução contínua de medicamentos, com resultados usualmente contraditórios e frustrantes, exigindo novas tentativas com outras classes farmacológicas. No todo, a limitação se faz sentir na impossibilidade de reversão ou mesmo de mera estabilização dos danos neurológicos, e inocuidade em termos de estimulação da neuroplasticidade. Uma exceção parece ser uma nova abordagem: a estimulação cerebral profunda por pulsos sonoros de baixa frequência (Transcranial Pulse Stimulation, ou TPS). Ainda pouco conhecida, a não ser em alguns centros de tratamento, tem se mostrado ser um acréscimo válido, por complementar os programas multidisciplinares de reabilitação

There is no doubt about the damage to human life, also extended to family and society as a whole, regarding all the functional aspects of those involved, not only the patient itself, which originates from traumatic brain injury, acute or chronic, for external or internal reasons, such as accidents, run overs, falls, crimes, stroke, progressive neurodegenerative diseases that result in dementia states. Over half a century, drugs have been continuously introduced, however their results have constantly been contradictory and frustrating, requiring new attempts with other pharmacological classes. Overall, the limitation is felt in the impossibility of reversing or even merely stabilizing the neurological damage and inefficacy regarding neuroplasticity stimulation. One exception seems to be a new approach, the non-invasive brain stimulation by low-frequency sound pulses (Transcranial Pulse Stimulation, or TPS). Except for some treatment centers, TPS is still unknown, however it has shown to be a valid adjunct in multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs

Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction - a narrative review.

OBJECTIVES: To provide an overview of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LIEST) for erectile dysfunction (ED), pointing out which concepts are already consolidated and which paths we still need to advance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a narrative review of the literature on the role of shockwave therapies in erectile dysfunction, selecting publications in PUBMED, including only relevant clinical trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. RESULTS: We found 11 studies (7 clinical trials, 3 systematic review and 1 meta-analysis) that evaluated the use of LIEST for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. One clinical trial evaluated the applicability in Peyronie's Disease and one other clinical trial evaluated the applicability after radical prostatectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The literature presents little scientific evidence but suggests good results with the use of LIEST for ED. Despite a real optimism since it is a treatment modality capable of acting on the pathophysiology of ED, we must remain cautious, until a larger volume of higher quality studies allows us to establish which patient profile, type of energy and application protocol will achieve clinically satisfactory results.

Clinical and electrophysiological efficacy of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy in carpal tunnel syndrome: a placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy on pain, functionality, and electrophysiological measurements in carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: Between June 2021 and January 2022, a total of 66 wrists in 45 participants with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome were included in this double-blind, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Patients were randomized into two groups, namely, the radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (group 1, n=33) and the sham radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (group 2, n=33). Night splints and tendon nerve gliding exercises were given to all participants. The participants were evaluated at baseline and the first month after treatment. Participants were evaluated using a visual analog scale, the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, Leeds Neuropathic Symptom and Symptom Assessment, and electrophysiological examinations. RESULTS: A total of 37 participants (a total of 55 wrists, radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy n=27, and sham radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy n=28) completed the study. After the intervention, there was a significant decrease in visual analog scale values (p<0.001) and a significant increase in Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire scores (p<0.001) and Leeds Neuropathic Symptom and Symptom Assessment scores (p<0.001). In electrophysiological measurements, there was a significant decrease in median nerve sensory (p=0.002) and motor (p=0.003) distal latency, and a significant increase in median nerve sensory conduction velocity (p=0.026) was found in the radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy group. CONCLUSION: This study shows that radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy has positive effects on pain, functionality, and electrophysiological measurements for mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome 1 month after application.

EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCKWAVE THERAPY IN SHOULDER INJURIES: PROSPECTIVE STUDY.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional results after the use of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in four groups of patients: tendinopathy, partial rotator cuff injury, adhesive capsulitis and calcareous tendinopathy of the rotator cuff at one month and three months after the end of treatment. METHODS: Case series in which patients were evaluated according to the VAS of pain, range of motion of the shoulder, and functional questionnaires DASH and modified UCLA. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the measure of flexion, lateral rotation and shoulder abduction in the evaluations after treatment in relation to the baseline measurement (p < 0.001) and no evidence of significant difference was found between the post-treatment evaluations at one month and three months follow-up (p > 0.05). There was a significant reduction in the VAS score, increase in the UCLA score and a significant reduction in the DASH score in the post-treatment evaluations in relation to the baseline score (p < 0.001) and a significant improvement in the three-month evaluation in relation to one month (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy proved to be efficient and safe in the treatment of shoulder pathologies, improving pain, range of motion and functional scores in all groups of patients evaluated in the study. Level of Evidence IV, Case series.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados funcionais após uso de terapia de ondas de choque (TOC) em quatro grupos de pacientes: tendinopatia, lesão parcial de manguito rotador, capsulite adesiva e tendinopatia calcária do manguito rotador com 1 mês e 3 meses após término do tratamento. MÉTODOS: Série de casos, na qual os pacientes foram avaliados de acordo com a EVA da dor, amplitude de movimento do ombro, e questionários funcionais DASH e UCLA modificados. RESULTADOS: Houve aumento significativo das medidas de flexão, rotação lateral e abdução do ombro nas avaliações após tratamento, em relação à medida basal (p < 0,001) e não houve evidências de variação significativa entre as avaliações pós-tratamento com 1 mês e 3 meses de acompanhamento (p°> 0,05). Houve redução significativa do escore EVA, aumento do escore UCLA e redução significativa do escore DASH nas avaliações após tratamento em relação ao escore basal (p < 0,001) e melhora significativa na avaliação de três meses em relação a um mês (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A terapia de ondas de choque mostrou-se uma terapia eficiente e segura no tratamento das patologias do ombro, com melhora da dor, arco de movimento e escores funcionais em todos os grupos de pacientes avaliados no estudo. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de casos.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in shoulder injuries: prospective study / Uso de terapia de ondas de choque em doenças ortopédicas do ombro: estudo prospectivo

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the functional results after the use of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in four groups of patients: tendinopathy, partial rotator cuff injury, adhesive capsulitis and calcareous tendinopathy of the rotator cuff at one month and three months after the end of treatment. Methods: Case series in which patients were evaluated according to the VAS of pain, range of motion of the shoulder, and functional questionnaires DASH and modified UCLA. Results: There was a significant increase in the measure of flexion, lateral rotation and shoulder abduction in the evaluations after treatment in relation to the baseline measurement (p < 0.001) and no evidence of significant difference was found between the post-treatment evaluations at one month and three months follow-up (p > 0.05). There was a significant reduction in the VAS score, increase in the UCLA score and a significant reduction in the DASH score in the post-treatment evaluations in relation to the baseline score (p < 0.001) and a significant improvement in the three-month evaluation in relation to one month (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy proved to be efficient and safe in the treatment of shoulder pathologies, improving pain, range of motion and functional scores in all groups of patients evaluated in the study. Level of Evidence IV, Case series.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados funcionais após uso de terapia de ondas de choque (TOC) em quatro grupos de pacientes: tendinopatia, lesão parcial de manguito rotador, capsulite adesiva e tendinopatia calcária do manguito rotador com 1 mês e 3 meses após término do tratamento. Métodos: Série de casos, na qual os pacientes foram avaliados de acordo com a EVA da dor, amplitude de movimento do ombro, e questionários funcionais DASH e UCLA modificados. Resultados: Houve aumento significativo das medidas de flexão, rotação lateral e abdução do ombro nas avaliações após tratamento, em relação à medida basal (p < 0,001) e não houve evidências de variação significativa entre as avaliações pós-tratamento com 1 mês e 3 meses de acompanhamento (p°> 0,05). Houve redução significativa do escore EVA, aumento do escore UCLA e redução significativa do escore DASH nas avaliações após tratamento em relação ao escore basal (p < 0,001) e melhora significativa na avaliação de três meses em relação a um mês (p < 0,05). Conclusão: A terapia de ondas de choque mostrou-se uma terapia eficiente e segura no tratamento das patologias do ombro, com melhora da dor, arco de movimento e escores funcionais em todos os grupos de pacientes avaliados no estudo. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de casos.

Rotura de tendones rotulianos como complicación de mala técnica de aplicación de ondas de presión radial. Reporte de dos casos / Patellar ligament rupture as a complication of poor application technique of radial pressure wave therapy. Report of two cases

RESUMEN La tendinopatía rotuliana se caracteriza por dolor anterior de la rodilla localizado en el polo inferior de la rótula en la unión del tendón rotuliano. Esta es, a menudo, una condición discapacitante que limita la calidad de vida de los pacientes, afecta su capacidad para participar en deportes e incluso dificulta sus actividades cotidianas. El tratamiento de ondas de choque extracorpóreas (ESWT por sus siglas en inglés) ha sido reconocido como una alternativa prometedora y segura para el tratamiento de diversos trastornos musculoesqueléticos, incluida la tendinopatía rotuliana crónica. Sin embargo, existe evidencia limitada con respecto a sus efectos secundarios, en particular las lesiones de tendones asociadas con ESWT. Según el conocimiento de los autores, este es el primer artículo que demuestra evidencia clínica y radiológica de dos pacientes sin factores de riesgo que presentan desgarros parciales del tendón rotuliano después de haber recibido terapia de ondas de presión radiales, también conocida como terapia de ondas de choque radiales, como tratamiento para la tendinopatía rotuliana. El tratamiento con ondas de choque debe ser aplicada por profesionales debidamente capacitados para que se cumplan los requisitos específicos necesarios para garantizar una técnica de aplicación adecuada, minimizar los posibles efectos adversos y mejorar la seguridad del paciente.

ABSTRACT Patellar tendinopathy is characterized by anterior knee pain located at the lower pole of the patella at the junction of the patellar tendon. This is often a disabling condition that limits patients' quality of life, affects their ability to participate in sports, and even hinders their normal daily activities. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has been recognized as a promising and safe alternative for the treatment of various musculoskeletal disorders - including chronic patellar tendinopathy. However, there is limited evidence regarding its side effects, in particular ESWT-associated tendon injuries. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating clinical and radiological evidence of two patients without known risk factors for partial patellar tendon tears that developed this condition after the application of radial pressure wave therapy - also known as radial shock wave therapy - for patellar tendinopathy. ESWT must be applied by properly trained professionals so that specific requirements needed to guarantee an appropriate application technique, minimize possible adverse effects, and improve patient safety could be met.

Low intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy shifts PDE5i nonresponders to responders

ABSTRACT To evaluate the efficiency of an energy density of 0.05mj/mm2 of low intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) on erectile dysfunction (ED) patients.A total of 45 ED patients met the inclusion criteria, including 7 PDE5i responders and 38 nonresponders. All the patients have already been delivered 10000 shockwaves of total seven treatment points twice a week for 4 weeks. Simultaneously, questionnaires of International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF), Erectile Hard Score (EHS) and Minimal Clinical Important Differences (MCID) were evaluated for the efficiency and safety at 8th and 16th weeks.The changes in the IIEF-EF score by MCID suggested that Li-ESWT treatment was effective in 22 PDE5i nonresponders patients (58%) at 8th week. Then at 16th week the number of patients who were effectively treated increased to 27 (71%). Among PDE5i responders, 5 patients (71%) were effective base on MCID at 16th week. Among PDE5i nonresponders 22 patients (58%) achieved erection hard enough for vaginal penetration and increased to 27 (71%) patients at 16th week (EHS ≥3). Moreover, even 3 patients achieved EHS 4 in PDE5i nonresponders at 16th week. Among PDE5i responders, 4 of 7 patients reached EHS of 4 from EHS 3 at 16th week. Apart from this, Li-ESWT treatment was also effective in 9 patients (24%) in PDE5i nonresponders without follow-up PDE5i.Energy flux density (EFD) of 0.05 of Li-ESWT could improve the erectile function of ED patients with PDE5i response. In addition, EFD of 0.05 of Li-ESWT treatment could turn PDE5i nonresponders to responders.

Cardiac Shock Wave Therapy for Coronary Heart Disease: an Updated Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this article is to study the efficacy and safety of cardiac shock wave therapy (CSWT) in the treatment of coronary heart disease (CAD). METHODS: A comprehensive search of electronic databases and a manual search of conference papers and abstracts were performed until September 30, 2018. The studies using RevMan 5.3 and STATA 14.0 softwares were reviewed, and meta-analyses were performed on 13 indicators, such as a six-min walking distance test (6MWT), New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) score, angina class (Canadian Cardiology Society [CCS]), etc. RESULTS: A total of 26 articles were included. The total patient population was 855, of which 781 patients were treated with CSWT. Meta-analyses indicated that 6MWT (mean difference [MD] 75.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 49.03, 102.25, P<0.00001) and NYHA (MD -0.70, 95% CI -0.92) in the CSWT group were comparable to those in the conventional revascularization group (MD -0.70, 95% CI -0.92, -0.49, P<0.00001). SAQ (MD 10.75, 95% CI 6.66, 14.83, P<0.00001), CCS (MD -0.99, 95% CI -1.13, -0.84, P<0.00001), nitrate dosage (MD -1.84, 95% CI -2.77, -1.12, P<0.00001), LVEF (MD 3.77, 95% CI 2.17, 5.37, P<0.00001), and SSS (MD -4.29, 95% CI -5.61, -2.96, P<0.00001), SRS (MD -2.90, 95% CI -4.85, -0.95, P=0.004), and the exercise test (standard mean difference 0.57, 95% CI 0.12, 1.02, P=0.01) all showed significant differences. CONCLUSION: CSWT may offer beneficial effects to patients with CAD, but more large-scale clinical studies are needed to further verify its therapeutic effect.

Cardiac shock wave therapy for coronary heart disease: an updated meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction: The aim of this article is to study the efficacy and safety of cardiac shock wave therapy (CSWT) in the treatment of coronary heart disease (CAD). Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases and a manual search of conference papers and abstracts were performed until September 30, 2018. The studies using RevMan 5.3 and STATA 14.0 softwares were reviewed, and meta-analyses were performed on 13 indicators, such as a six-min walking distance test (6MWT), New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) score, angina class (Canadian Cardiology Society [CCS]), etc. Results: A total of 26 articles were included. The total patient population was 855, of which 781 patients were treated with CSWT. Meta-analyses indicated that 6MWT (mean difference [MD] 75.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 49.03, 102.25, P<0.00001) and NYHA (MD -0.70, 95% CI -0.92) in the CSWT group were comparable to those in the conventional revascularization group (MD -0.70, 95% CI -0.92, -0.49, P<0.00001). SAQ (MD 10.75, 95% CI 6.66, 14.83, P<0.00001), CCS (MD -0.99, 95% CI -1.13, -0.84, P<0.00001), nitrate dosage (MD -1.84, 95% CI -2.77, -1.12, P<0.00001), LVEF (MD 3.77, 95% CI 2.17, 5.37, P<0.00001), and SSS (MD -4.29, 95% CI -5.61, -2.96, P<0.00001), SRS (MD -2.90, 95% CI -4.85, -0.95, P=0.004), and the exercise test (standard mean difference 0.57, 95% CI 0.12, 1.02, P=0.01) all showed significant differences. Conclusion: CSWT may offer beneficial effects to patients with CAD, but more large-scale clinical studies are needed to further verify its therapeutic effect.

Low intensity extracorporeal shockwave Therapy shifts PDE5i nonresponders to responders.

To evaluate the efficiency of an energy density of 0.05mj/mm2 of low intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) on erectile dysfunction (ED) patients. A total of 45 ED patients met the inclusion criteria, including 7 PDE5i responders and 38 nonresponders. All the patients have already been delivered 10000 shockwaves of total seven treatment points twice a week for 4 weeks. Simultaneously, questionnaires of International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF), Erectile Hard Score (EHS) and Minimal Clinical Important Differences (MCID) were evaluated for the efficiency and safety at 8th and 16th weeks. The changes in the IIEF-EF score by MCID suggested that Li-ESWT treatment was effective in 22 PDE5i nonresponders patients (58%) at 8th week. Then at 16th week the number of patients who were effectively treated increased to 27 (71%). Among PDE5i responders, 5 patients (71%) were effective base on MCID at 16th week. Among PDE5i nonresponders 22 patients (58%) achieved erection hard enough for vaginal penetration and increased to 27 (71%) patients at 16th week (EHS ≥3). Moreover, even 3 patients achieved EHS 4 in PDE5i nonresponders at 16th week. Among PDE5i responders, 4 of 7 patients reached EHS of 4 from EHS 3 at 16th week. Apart from this, Li-ESWT treatment was also effective in 9 patients (24%) in PDE5i nonresponders without follow-up PDE5i. Energy flux density (EFD) of 0.05 of Li-ESWT could improve the erectile function of ED patients with PDE5i response. In addition, EFD of 0.05 of Li-ESWT treatment could turn PDE5i nonresponders to responders.

Lesión del nervio cubital secundario a terapia de ondas de choque extracorpóreas radiales identificada con ultrasonografía de alta resolución: Reporte de caso / Ulnar Nerve Injury After Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Identified With High­Resolution Ultrasonography: Case Report

Mujer de 49 años fue evaluada por desarrollar dolor súbito a nivel de los epicóndilos mediales conjuntamente con entumecimiento y sensación de hormigueo en el cuarto y quinto dedos después de recibir terapia de ondas de choque extracorpóreas radiales (rESWT) como tratamiento para epicondilitis medial bilateral. El examen neurológico reveló signo de Tinel positivo, parestesia y una prueba de discriminación de dos puntos alterada sobre la región cubital del cuarto y quinto dedos. La ultrasonografía de alta resolución demostró hallazgos de lesión nerviosa periférica tales como hipoecogenicidad y aumento del diámetro de ambos nervios cubitales. La paciente mejoró únicamente tras recibir tratamiento conservador, demostrando así una aparente neuropatía compresiva bilateral aguda como resultado de la terapia. ESWT se utiliza como una alternativa prometedora para el tratamiento de diversos trastornos musculoesqueléticos; sin embargo, existe evidencia limitada con respecto a sus efectos secundarios, en particular la mononeuropatía periférica. Según el conocimiento de los autores, este es el primer reporte que demuestra un daño nervioso estructural después de rESWT con el uso de ultrasonografía de alta resolución.

A 49-year old woman was evaluated for developing bilateral acute medial elbow pain, numbness, and tingling sensation in the fourth and fifth fingers after receiving radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) for bilateral medial epicondylitis. Neurologic examination revealed the presence of Tinel's sign, paresthesia and impaired two-point discrimination testing over the ulnar side of the fourth and fifth fingers bilaterally. High-resolution ultrasonography demonstrated findings of nerve injury, such as hypoechogenicity and increased diameter of both ulnar nerves. After conservative treatment, the patient improved her condition demonstrating an apparently acute compressive nerve injury as a result of the therapy. ESWT is used as a promising alternative for the treatment of various musculoskeletal disorders; however, there is limited evidence regarding its side effects, in particular peripheral mononeuropathy. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating structural damage of a nerve after rESWT with the use of high-resolution ultrasonography.

Uso da terapia por ondas de choque para o tratamento do linfedema associado ao câncer de mama: uma revisão sistemática / Use of shockwave therapy for the treatment of lymphedema associated to breast cancer: a systematic review

O linfedema associado ao câncer de mama é causa de prejuízo significativo da qualidade de vida deste grupo de pacientes e constitui complicação frequente das intervenções necessárias nesse tipo de câncer. Sabe-se que o tratamento utilizado no linfedema associado ao câncer de mama envolve a Terapia Física Complexa (TFC), cuja eficácia é limitada e não atua diretamente na patogênese dessa comorbidade. Conforme já demonstrado em alguns estudos, o uso da Terapia por Ondas de Choque (TOC) demonstra-se potencialmente benéfico para reduzir o linfedema pela indução de neoangiogênese e linfangiogênese. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto da TOC no tratamento do linfedema associado ao câncer de mama comparado ao uso da TFC. Métodos: Foram utilizadas as seguintes bases de dados: PubMed/MedLine; BIREME; LILACS; The Cochrane Library e EMBASE, e através de busca manual de artigos. Adotou-se o método de pesquisa PICO e os descritores MeSH ajustados conforme a respectiva base de dados. Resultados: Foram encontrados um total de 262 artigos e selecionados por leitura do título ou resumo um total de 17 estudos. Seis foram excluídos por serem duplicatas, totalizando 11 artigos eleitos para verificação dos critérios de inclusão. Destes, nenhum artigo atendeu ao delineamento da metodologia proposta para esta revisão. Três deles se destacaram por se aproximarem mais da temática proposta e foram discutidos. Conclusão: É necessária a realização de estudos com qualidade metodológica adequada para avaliar o potencial benefício do uso da TOC, visando contribuir para a composição de um tratamento mais eficaz, seguro e que atue na patogênese da doença.

Lymphedema associated with breast cancer is a cause of significant impairment of the quality of life and is a frequent complication of the necessary interventions in this type of cancer. It is known that the treatment used in lymphedema associated with breast cancer involves Complex Physical Therapy (CPT), whose efficacy is limited and does not act directly in the pathogenesis of this comorbidity. As demonstrated in some studies, the use of Shock Wave Therapy (TSWT) is potentially beneficial in reducing lymphedema by inducing neoangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Objective: To evaluate the impact of TSWT on the treatment of lymphedema associated with breast cancer compared to the use of CPT. Methods: The following databases were used: PubMed / MedLine; BIREME; LILACS; The Cochrane Library and EMBASE, and through manual article search. We adopted the PICO search method and the Mesh descriptors were adjusted according to the respective database. Results: A total of 262 articles were found and selected by reading the title or abstract a total of 17 studies. Six were excluded because they were duplicates, totaling 11 articles elected to verify the inclusion criteria. Of these, no article met the outline of the methodology proposed. Three of them were closer to the proposed theme and were discussed. Conclusion: It is necessary to carry out studies with adequate methodological quality to evaluate the potential benefit of the use of TSWT, in order to contribute to the composition of a more effective and safe treatment, that acts in the pathogenesis of the disease.