What Researchers Did
The researchers conducted a systematic review to evaluate the available evidence on the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) as an adjunct treatment for complex wounds in humans.
What They Found
Of 393 articles, 13 clinical studies (n = 919 patients), including seven randomized controlled trials, met the inclusion criteria. ESWT was typically applied once or twice weekly using low or medium energy, and controlled studies reported statistically significant differences in wound closure rates compared to standard treatments, sham ESWT, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, with few safety concerns.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with complex wounds may find extracorporeal shock wave therapy to be a beneficial adjunct to their standard care, potentially improving wound closure rates. This therapy could offer a safe additional option to enhance healing outcomes.
Canadian Relevance
This systematic review did not include any studies with a Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The review was limited by the relatively small number of included studies and potential heterogeneity among the primary studies regarding wound etiologies and ESWT protocols.