Combining extracorporeal shock wave treatment with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation can improve the lower limb motor function of stroke survivors with foot drop / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe any effect of combining extracorporeal shock wave stimulation with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on the lower limb motor function of stroke survivors with foot drop.Methods:Thirty-six stroke survivors with foot drop were randomly divided into an extracorporeal shock wave group, a PNF group and a combination group, each of 12. The extracorporeal shock wave group and PNF group were given those therapies alone, while the combination group was provided with both. The extracorporeal shock wave therapy protocol was 2000 times on each muscle at an intensity of 2.5 bar and a frequency of 10Hz, twice a week for 4 weeks, while the PNF was provided at least 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Before and after the intervention, all of the participants were evaluated using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), the 10-metre walk test (10 MWT) and the Fugl-Meyer lower limb motor function scale (FMA). Active range of the ankle joint and toe out angle were also observed.Results:After the intervention the lower limb muscle tone had decreased significantly in 8 of the PNF group members and in 9 of those in the extracorporeal shock wave group, but it has decreased significantly in all 12 members of the combination group. And the average magnitude of the improvement was also significantly greater in the combination group than in the other two groups. Moreover, significant differences were observed in the active range of the ankle joint after the treatment in the combination group, but not in the other two groups. After the intervention the average 10 MWT times and FMA scores of the PNF and combination groups had improved significantly, but not those of the extracorporeal shock wave group, but significant improvement in toe out angles was observed in all three groups, though the average improvement in the combination group was significantly greater than in the other 2 groups.Conclusion:Combining extracorporeal shock waves with PNF can effectively improve the lower limb motor function of stroke survivors with foot drop.

Research progress in extracorporeal shock wave therapy for rotator cuff injury / 中华创伤杂志

Rotator cuff injury often leads to shoulder pain and dysfunction. For the injured rotator cuff tendon without continuous interruption, conservative treatment is often used. However, the shoulder is used frequent in daily life, which makes that the rotator cuff injury generally shows gradual aggravation and eventually progresses to complete tear due to poor blood supply of the rotator cuff tendon tissue and weak repair ability. In order to reverse the pathophysiological changes after rotator cuff injury and promote the repair of injured rotator cuff tendon, a series of conservative treatments for rotator cuff injury have been explored. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is one of the representative treatments, but its molecular biological mechanism in promoting rotator cuff repair is still unclear. Therefore, the authors review the progress of ESWT for rotator cuff injury from aspects of the molecular biological mechanism and clinical application status, so as to provide a reference for future researches and clinical application of ESWT.

Clinical application study of multiple small-diameter drilling combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) under C-arm positioning in the treatment of early femoral head necrosis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the therapeutic effect of multiple small diameter drilling combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) under C-arm X-raylocalization in patients with early osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).@*METHODS@#A total of 106 cases of early ONFH patients admitted from May 2015 to May 2017 were retrospectively selected as the study subjects. According to different treatment methods, the patients were divided into observation group and control group, 53 cases in each group. The observation group was treated with multiple small-diameter drilling combined with ESWT under C-arm positioning in the observation group, including 41 males and 12 females with an age of (45.85±6.01) years old (22 to 70 years old);and the control group was treated with ESWT, including 34 males and 19 females with an age of (45.12±5.83) years old(20 to 68 years old) in the control group. The modified Harris hip scores(mHHS), visual analog scale(VAS), hip flexion range, hip abduction and adduction range, ONFH area ratio and clinical efficacy were compared between twe groups before and after treatment. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw a survival curve to compare the femoral head survival rate between two groups during the 3-year follow-up period after treatment.@*RESULTS@#There were no complications such as poor wound healing and infection. All of 106 patients were followed up for 28 to 36 months with an average of (31.06±4.28) months. MHHS score, hip flexion range and hip abduction and adduction range in the observation group were increased from (63.85±5.42) scores, (23.79±2.21) °, (32.40±4.19) ° before treatment to (85.51±5.69) scores, (34.65±2.73)°, (43.32±5.71)° at 2 years after treatment, respectively(P<0.05). The above indicators in the control group increased from (64.73±5.64)°, (23.82±2.18)°, (32.45±4.13)° before treatment to (81.65±5.48) scores, (32.79±2.87)°, (39.75±5.68)°at two years after treatment, respectively(P<0.05). VAS score and ONFH area ratio in the observation group decreased from (5.76±1.41) scores and (35.07±4.96)% before treatment to (3.39±1.02) scores and (22.04±3.23)% at 2 years after treatment, respectively(P<0.05). The above indicatiors in control group decreased from (5.73±1.45) scores and (35.24±5.18)% before treatment to (4.43±1.21) scores and (28.32±3.76)% at 2 years after treatment, respectively(P<0.05), and the improvement in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05). At 3 years after treatment, the femoral head survival rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Multiple small diameter drilling combined with ESWT under C-arm positioning can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of patients with early ONFH, relieve pain and improve clinical efficacy.

Comparison of efficacy of platelet-rich plasma and extracorporeal shock wave for the treatment of chronic insertional Achilles tendinopathy / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To compare clinical efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and extracorporeal shock wave in treating chronic insertional Achilles tendinopathy.@*METHODS@#From February 2019 to August 2021, 42 patients with chronic insertional Achilles tendinopathy were selected and divided into PRP group(20 patients, 28 feet) and shock wave group (22 patients, 29 feet). In PRP group, there were 12 males and 8 females, aged 47.00(28.00, 50.75) years old, and the courses of disease ranged 7.00(6.00, 7.00) months;PRP injection was performed in the Achilles tendon stop area of the affected side. In shock wave group, there were 16 males and 6 females, aged 42.00(35.75, 47.25) years old;and the courses of disease was 7.00(6.00, 8.00) months;shock wave was performed in Achilles tendon stop area of the affected side and triceps surae area. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) were applied to evaluate clnical effect before treatment, 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment, and satisfaction of patients was investigated.@*RESULTS@#VAS and VISA-A score in both groups were significantly improved at 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment than before treatment (P<0.05), VAS and VISA-A score in PRP group at 6 months after treatment were significantly higher than those at 1 and 3 months after treatment, and VAS and VISA-A score in shock wave group were lower than those at 1 and 3 months after treatment (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS and VISA-A score between two groups before treatment, 1 and 3 months after treatment(P>0.05), while VAS and VISA-A score in PRP group were better than those in shock wave group at 6 months after treatment(P<0.05), and the satisfaction survey in PRP group was better than that in shock wave group(P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#PRP injection has a good clinical effect on chronic insertional Achilles tendinopathy with high patient satisfaction, and medium-and long-term effect of PRP injection for the treatment of chronic insertional Achilles tendinopathy is better than that of extracorporeal divergent shock wave.

Effects of whole body vibration combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy on spasticity and balance gait parameters in hemiplegic patients with stroke / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Stroke patients may have various sensory-motor disorders, such as spasticity, muscle weakness or sensory damage. Spasticity affects 20% to 40% of stroke patients. Patients with spasticity may have problems such as pain, motor function damage, and the decreased range of motion, which leads to decline of activity and quality of daily life. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a technique that can improve post-stroke spasticity. Whole body vibration (WBV), as a passive neuromuscular muscle stimulation technique, can improve the posture control, muscle strength, and muscle work of different people. At present, there are still few studies using WBV combined with ESWT for the treatment of hemiplegic patients with stroke. This study aims to explore the effects of WBV combined with ESWT on spasticity of the affected lower limb and gait function in stroke patients.@*METHODS@#From March 2020 to March 2021, 50 hemiplegic patients with stroke were treated in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of the First Hospital of Changsha and they were assigned into a control group and a combined group, 25 cases per group. Both groups carried out conventional treatment, while the control group undertook the ESWT and fake WBV based on conventional treatment, and the combined group undertook ESWT after WBV and conventional treatment. Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Lower Extremity portion of the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMA-LE), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and parameters of three-dimensional gait analysis including kinematic parameters (peak value of hip flexion and knee flexion) and spatiotemporal parameters (velocity, cadence and stride length) were assessed before and after 4-week treatment between the 2 groups.@*RESULTS@#After 4 weeks of treatment, MAS scores in 2 groups were lower than before (both P<0.05), and the combined group was lower than the control group (P<0.001); BBS and FMA-LE scores were higher than those before treatment (both P<0.05), and the combined group was higher than the control group (both P<0.001); in the control group, the walking speed, stride frequency, and stride length were higher than those before treatment (all P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the peak value of flexion hip and peak value of flexion knee (both P<0.05); the peak value of hip flexion, peak value of knee flexion, step speed, step frequency, and stride length in the combined group were higher than those before treatment (all P<0.05), and were higher than those in control group (P<0.05 or P<0.001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#WBV combined with ESWT can improve the spasticity and motor function of the affected lower extremity, balance, and gait in hemiplegic patients with stroke.

The effect of combining extracorporeal shock waves with continuous static stretching in treating triceps spasticity after a stroke / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe any effect of supplementing continuous static stretching (CSS) with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in treating triceps surae spasm after a stroke.Methods:Sixty-four stroke survivors with triceps surae spasm were randomly divided into a conventional rehabilitation group, a shock wave group and a combined treatment group. In addition to conventional rehabilitation, the shock wave group received extracorporeal shock wave therapy twice a week and the combined treatment group received the shock waves during continuous static stretching. After 6 weeks of treatment all of the subjects were assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Brunnstrom classification of their functional recovery stage.Results:Before treatment there was no significant difference among the three groups. After the 6 weeks of treatment the average triceps surae tension in all three groups had eased significantly. At that point the average MAS and FMA scores of the shock wave group and the combined treatment group were significantly better than those of the conventional group. The combined treatment group then showed significantly better therapeutic effect than the shock wave group.Conclusions:Applying extracorporeal shock waves during continuous static stretching can significantly improve the stretching′s ability to reduce spasticity and improve motor functioning, at least of the triceps surae. Combining shock waves with modern traction methods is recommended for clinical application.

Effects of local vibration and extracorporeal shock wave therapy on triceps spasticity and the walking ability of hemiplegic stroke survivors / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To compare the effect of local vibration and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on triceps spasticity and the walking ability of hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods:Sixty-nine stroke survivors with hemiplegia were randomly divided into a control group, a vibration group and an ESWT group. The control group received 60 minutes of conventional Bobath rehabilitation treatment and motor relearning from Monday to Saturday for 4 weeks. For the vibration and ESWT groups, 10 minutes of that traditional therapy were replaced by either local vibration or extracorporeal shock wave treatment every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Before and after the treatment, the three groups were evaluated using the Comprehensive Spasticity Scale (CSS) and in terms of passive joint range of motion (PROM), ankle plantar flexion angle, 10m maximum walking speed, stride frequency, and stride length.Results:After the intervention the average CSS, PROM, and ankle plantar flexion angle were significantly better for all three groups than before the treatment. At that point the ESWT group′s averages were significantly better than those of the vibration group, and the vibration group′s averages were significantly superior to those of the control group. Walking speed, stride frequency and stride length had also improved significantly in all three groups, with those in the vibration and ESWT groups significantly outperforming the control group. There was no significant difference between the vibration and ESWT groups in terms of walking ability.Conclusions:Both local vibration and extracorporeal shock wave therapy improve triceps spasticity and the walking ability of hemiplegic stroke survivors. Shock waves are more effective for improving spasticity, but there is no significant difference between the therapies in terms of improving walking ability.

Extracorporeal shock waves promote the repair of injured muscle tissue by regulating insulin-like growth factor-1 and phosphorylated protein kinase B levels / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To determine whether or not shock wave therapy promotes the repair of muscle injury by regulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and/or the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (p-Akt).Methods:Sixty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group and a treatment group. A custom-made striker was used to induce blunt contusion in the gastrocnemius muscles of the rats of the model and treatment groups. The normal and model groups were then not given any therapeutic intervention. Twenty-four hours later, the treatment group underwent 500-impulse shockwave treatment at 0.14mJ/mm 2 and 10Hz. That was repeated 4 days later. The injured muscle was sampled on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th day after modeling. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was applied to observe the arrangement of muscle fibers, and the expressions of myostatin, myogenic differentiation antigen 1 (MYOD1), IGF-1 and p-AKTs473 were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Results:(1) The staining showed that in the model group the space between the muscle cells was larger than in the normal group. In the treatment group there were more newly-formed mononuclear or multinucleated muscle tubes. The regeneration of skeletal muscle in the treatment group was superior to that in the model group at the same time points. (2) The average myostatin expression of the model group increased significantly compared with the normal group at all the time points, while that of the treatment group had decreased significantly compared with the model group. Moreover, no significant differences were found on the 7th day between the treatment and normal groups. (3) Western blotting showed that the expression of MyoD1 in the model group was significantly higher than that in the normal group on days 1 and 3, and the expression of MyoD1 in the treatment group was significantly higher than in the model group. The expression levels of IGF-1 and P-AKTS473 in the model group were higher than those in the normal group at the same time point, and the expression levels in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the model group.Conclusion:Extracorporeal shock wave therapy can promote the regeneration and repair of skeletal muscle by regulating IGF-1 and p-AKT levels.

The application progress of extracorporeal shock wave in the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome and its potential mechanism / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is one of the common diseases in uroloandrology, which recurs easily after treatment. In recent years, the safety and efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for CP/CPPS has been widely demonstrated. Studies have shown satisfactory short-term (≤12 weeks) outcomes of ESWT, but lack long-term (>12 weeks) follow-up data. In addition, inconsistent indications and unexplained therapeutic mechanisms have limited the further clinical promotion of ESWT. This article summarizes the latest progress and potential mechanism of ESWT in the treatment of CP/CPPS in order to provide new insights for the standardized application of ESWT.

Predictive value of maximum ureteral wall thickness at stone bed position for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in the treatment of ureteral calculi / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the predictors of the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the treatment of ureteral calculi, and to evaluate the predictive value of the maximum ureteral wall thickness (UWT) in the treatment of ureteral calculi with ESWL.Methods:The clinical data of 138 patients with ureteral calculi treated with ESWL in the Second People's Hospital of Hefei from January 2020 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 91 males and 47 females. The age was (50.9±14.8) years old. The body mass index was (25.3±3.6) kg/m 2. The stones of 73 cases were located on the left side and 65 cases were on the right side. 70 cases had upper ureteral stones, 18 cases had middle ureteral stones, and 50 cases had lower ureteral stones. The median length of the stone was 8.5 (7.5, 10.5) mm. The CT value of the stone was 509 (343, 783) HU. The anteroposterior diameter of the renal pelvis was 12.0 (10.1, 16.0) mm, and UWT was (2.8 ± 0.8) mm. All patients underwent urinary non-contrast CT before lithotripsy, and the UWT of the stone bed was measured on the CT images. According to the stone removal situation 2 weeks after the operation, the patients were divided into a successful lithotripsy group and a failed lithotripsy group. Univariate analysis was used to compare the differences of various indicators between the two groups, and multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the independent predictors of ESWL in the treatment of ureteral calculi for the indicators. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) of each independent predictor, and the cut-off value, sensitivity and specificity were analyzed. Results:All operations were successfully completed, and the success rate of the first-stage lithotripsy was 71.7% (99/138). The results of univariate analysis showed that the stone length diameter, stone CT value, anteroposterior diameter of renal pelvis, stone skin distance, and UWT were significantly different between the successful lithotripsy group and the failure group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in age, gender, body mass index, stone side and stone location ( P>0.05). The results of multivariate logistic analysis showed that stone length ( OR=1.393, P=0.015), stone CT value ( OR=1.002, P=0.043) and UWT ( OR=17.997, P<0.001) were all for the efficacy of ESWL in the treatment of ureteral stones. The ROC curve was used to compare the three independent predictors. The area under the UWT curve was the largest (AUC=0.898, P<0.001), followed by the length of the stone (AUC=0.744, P<0.001), and the CT value of the stone (AUC=0.672, P= 0.002). The cut-off value for UWT was 3.19 mm, which had a sensitivity of 91.9% and a specificity of 71.8% for predicting the success of ESWL lithotripsy. When dividing the patients into thin wall group (UWT ≤3.19 mm) and thick wall group (UWT>3.19 mm) according to the cut-off value, the success rates of one-stage lithotripsy in the two groups were 89.2% (91 / 102) and 22.2% (8/36), respectively ( P<0.05). Conclusions:UWT, calculus length and calculus CT value are independent predictors of the efficacy of ESWL in the treatment of ureteral calculi, and UWT has the best predictive value. When UWT≤3.19 mm, the success rate of ESWL in the treatment of ureteral calculi is higher.

Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy for Peyronie's disease: a single-center experience / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The aim of this article is to assess the outcomes of a low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LiESWT) protocol for the treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD). Patients treated for PD were prospectively recorded, and data were retrospectively reviewed. Age, characteristics of fibrous plaques, concomitant treatments, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), Lue score, and pain score on Likert scale were collected. Patients in acute phase of PD and an angulation of <40° were included. The protocol consisted of 6 weekly sessions of 4000 pulses each, applied from different directions, with a maximal power of 20 W and 8 Hz frequency. We included 39 patients (median age: 56.8 years, interquartile range [IQR]: 35.8-62.2 years). The median number of sessions received per patient was 7.2. After treatment, the median Lue score decreased from 6.8 initially to 3.3 (P = 0.003), the median Likert pain score dropped from 1.8 to 0.7 (P = 0.004), the median plaque size was reduced from 2 cm to 1.2 cm (P = 0.08), and the median penile curvature diminished from 31° to 17° (P = 0.07). On univariate and multivariate analysis, the only predictors of success were younger age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.95, P = 0.03 and OR = 0.91, P = 0.04, respectively) and concomitant use of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i; OR = 0.92, P = 0.02 and OR = 0.93, P = 0.01, respectively). LiESWT had a favorable impact on Lue score and notably penile pain, curvature, plaque size, and erectile function in patients treated for PD during the early inflammatory phase, with no side effects. Younger age and concomitant use of PDE5i were the only success predictors.

Immediate effects of extracorporeal shock wave on muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity of wrist flexor in stroke patients / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that the elasticity of the radial wrist flexor and ulnar wrist flexor muscles is related to the power of gripping, and the tension and stiffness directly affect the pinching force on the thumb side and the palm gripping ability. Extracorporeal shock waves have a definite effect on alleviating post-stroke limb spasm. OBJECTIVE: To observe the immediate effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity of flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris in stroke patients. METHODS: Twenty stroke patients with hemiplegia who met the inclusion criteria were given a single session of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris. The oscillation frequency, logarithmic decrement, dynamic stiffness of flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris were detected using a muscle tone measurement device Myoton-3 before treatment and 5 minutes after treatment. At the same time, the Modified Tardieu Scale was used to evaluate spasticity of wrist flexor before and after treatment. The study protocol was implemented in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, and the enrolled patients and their families were fully informed of the whole trial. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: After treatment, the oscillation frequency, logarithmic decrement, dynamic stiffness, and quality of muscle response of flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris were significantly reduced in all the patients (P < 0.01). The maximum passive range of motion of wrist extension and angle of catch following a fast velocity stretch wrist flexor were significantly higher than those before (P < 0.01). In conclusion, a single session of extracorporeal shock wave therapy can effectively reduce muscle tone and stiffness, and improve elasticity of flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris in stroke patients. And it can also improve the maximum passive range of motion of wrist extension.

In vitro culture and purification of Schwann cells: A systematic review / 中国组织工程研究

OBJECTIVE: Schwann cells can promote the regeneration of damaged peripheral nerves and serve as seed cells in the engineering repair of peripheral nerve tissue. The effective culture and purification of Schwann cells are the basis of clinical treatment for peripheral nerve injury. This paper summarized the literature of culture of Schwann cells in vitro in recent ten years and made a descriptive review on the research progress of Schwann cell culture and purification, in order to provide references for culture of Schwann cells in vitro. METHODS: Literature related to Schwann cell isolation, culture and purification was retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Medline databases, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and other databases. The keywords included “Schwann cells; isolation; culture; purification”. All the papers obtained from the search were read, analyzed and judged, and finally 62 papers meeting the standards were included. RESULTS: The classical methods of Schwann cell culture include tissue block culture and enzyme digestion. Purification methods include mitosis resistance, immune selection, specific adhesion, pre degeneration, cold jet, differential adherent, laminin package, low serum, stimulating factor, fluorescence activated cell sorting or magnetic activated cell sorting, immunopanning, and extracorporeal shock wave treatment. CONCLUSION: Schwann cells can be cultured and purified in various ways in vitro, and each method has its advantages and disadvantages. How to obtain high-purity Schwann cells quickly and efficiently is still a challenge. Multiple methods can be combined for purification and affective factors can be controlled for Schwann cell proliferation as much as possible.

Extracorporeal Shock-Wave Lithotripsy in Renal and Ureteric Calculi: Role in Resource Poor Developing Countries in Modern Era

Introduction: Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL)is an established non-invasive treatment modality for renaland ureteric stones. However, treatment outcome and efficacydepends on multiple factors like stone size, location and typeof machine used. We aimed to assess efficacy of ESWL asa primary treatment modality in renal and ureteric stones ina busy hospital setting having significant renal stone diseaseburden.Material and methods:1187 patients who underwent ESWLbetween January 2015 to December 2016 in our departmentwere included in the study. Patients with nephrolithiasis andureterolithiasis having functional kidney, without any absolutecontraindication to ESWL were included. Dornier Med TechCompact Delta 2 machines were used for all the patients.Stone localization was done using both fluoroscopic andultrasound- guided methods by same expert.Results: Out of 1187 patients,887 patients had solitary renalstones,170 had solitary ureteral calculus and 130 patients hadmultiple renal calculi. Stone size ranged from 8mm–20mm.Renal pelvic stones, upper calycial stones and proximalureteric stones had stone free rate of 84%,86% and 82.5%respectively. 89% and 84% of patients were stone free whensize of stone was between 8-12mm, it decreased to 77% and73% when size increased between 13-16mm for kidney andureteric stones respectively.Conclusions: ESWL is an effective primary treatmentmodality for appropriately selected patients with stone sizeless than 2 cm in favorable location with a normal functioningkidney. Use of both fluoroscopic and ultrasound imagingimproves localization of stones thus improving success. Itis an important modality in hands of urologist treating hugevolume of urolithiasis patients in busy hospitals with longwaiting list and with limited resources.

Electromagnetic Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction: A Sham-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomized Prospective Study

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the electromagnetic-type low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED).MATERIALS AND METHODS: The randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind prospective study was performed at two referral hospitals. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive sham or Li-ESWT for 6 weeks. ED was evaluated at screening and at 4 and 7 weeks after treatment. Participants were asked to complete the international index of erectile function-erectile function (IIEF-EF) domain questionnaire, erection hardness scale (EHS), and sexual encounter profile questionnaire (SEPQ 2 and 3). The development of complications was investigated.RESULTS: Eighty-one of 96 patients completed the study. The median change in the IIEF-EF score in the Li-ESWT and sham groups was 5.1 and −2.2 (p<0.001), respectively, at the 7-week follow-up; 47.4% (18/38) patients had EHS <3, of which 77.8% (14/18) showed significant improvement in virtue of Li-ESWT treatment (p=0.001). A significant improvement was observed in the percentage of “Yes” responses to SEPQ 2 and 3 in the Li-ESWT group vs. sham group from baseline to 7-week follow-up (91.3% vs. 69.4%; p=0.008 and 50.0% vs. 14.3%; p=0.002, respectively). No patients reported pain or other adverse events during treatment or follow-up.CONCLUSIONS: Thus, Li-ESWT could have a role in improving erectile function. Furthermore, it is safe. We believe that Li-ESWT is an attractive new treatment modality for patients with ED.

Systematic evaluation and meta-analysis of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Related studies have shown that extracorporeal shock wave therapy has a positive effect on the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, but its effectiveness in treating knee osteoarthritis is not very clear, and the final results of various related studies are not same. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for knee osteoarthritis using meta-analysis. METHODS: Chinese and English databases were searched in detail from inception to December 2019. The inclusion criteria were developed based on the Prisma principle to screen the randomized controlled trial of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for knee osteoarthritis. The treatment method of the experimental group was extracorporeal shock wave therapy or extracorporeal shock wave therapy combined with drugs and arthroscopic debridement. The treatment method of the control group was one of drug treatment, ultrasound treatment, laser treatment, exercise therapy, arthroscopy or blank control. The quality of the included literature was evaluated according to the Cochrane Handbook 5.1 bias risk assessment tool. Relevant data were analyzed using RevMan v5.3 software. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) A total of 21 randomized controlled trials were included, with a total of 1 736 patients with knee osteoarthritis, including 895 in the experimental group and 841 in the control group. (2) Meta-analysis shows that the visual analogue scale score of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group [SMD=-1.18, 95%CI(-1.42,-0.95), Z=9.75, P <0.000 01]. Joint motion range was greater in the experimental group than in the control group [SMD=-1.69, 95%CI(-2.01,-1.36), Z=10.16, P <0.000 01]. WOMAC score was lower in the experimental group than in the control group [SMD=-9.66, 95%CI(-13.12,-6.20), Z=5.47, P < 0.000 01]. (3) The results show that extracorporeal shock wave therapy for knee osteoarthritis has a certain positive effect on pain relief and joint motion range. However, the number of cases included in this study is small, and subsequent large-scale multi-center studies are needed to further clarify the relevant utility.

Profile of urinary tract stone in Makassar, Indonesia

Background: Urinary tract stone disease (urolithiasis) is still a significant health issue throughout the world. In Asia, regions with very high urolithiasis incidence stretch from Sudan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, and Philippines. Demographic and regional variations in cases of urolithiasis may provide clues to their etiology and prevalence. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of urolithiasis patients and their management in Makassar.Methods: This was a single centre retrospective descriptive study using data from patient medical records at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital Makassar in 2015-2017. Patients’ demographic, clinical, and management characteristics were recorded.Results: From 1,166 urolithiasis patients, author found men were more dominant than women with ratio of 2.2: 1. Age distribution were more common in the range of 40-60 years (58.32%). The distribution of patients with high Body Mass Index (BMI) were relatively common included overweight 20.5% and obese 13.81%. The majority of cases were unilateral urolithiasis (89.28%), with stones were largely found in kidney (59.41%). Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) was the method more commonly performed (48.13%) followed by lithotripsy.Conclusions: This study showed that urolithiasis were commonly found in the age group of 40-60 years, predominantly male, and high BMI were relatively common. The majority of cases were unilateral urolithiasis, mostly located in kidney. Urolithiasis were mostly managed by ESWL and lithotripsy.

Effectiveness Of Neural Mobilization In The Management Of Chronic Low Back Pain With Radiculopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Neural mobilization (NM) constitutes the most effective, common method for assessing and treating several neuromuscular disorders. The study at hand aims to determine the effectiveness of the NM technique compared to lumbar stabilization exercise (LSE) and Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (rESWT) in the physical therapy management of chronic low back pain (CLBP) with radiculopathy. Methods: Two groups comprising 30 participants and randomly chosen formed the basis of this investigation: Group A (NM, LSE, and rESWT) and Group B (LSE and rESWT). The period of three to six weeks constituted the time it took to measure the results herein reached baseline. The results of the observations focused on pain assessed by numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), Lumbar flexion range of motion (Lumbar FROM) by Schober’s method, and disability level as measured by the Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (MODQ). Results: In the control group, the mean scores of pain, lumbar FROM, and MODQ at baselines showed a high level of similarity (6.47, 2.87, and 43.71 respectively in the intervention group, and 6.20, 2.93 and 44.66. Both groups showed improvement in their pain scores at three weeks (P<0.05). However, only lumbar FROM and MODQ showed statistically significant improvement in favor of the intervention group at three weeks (P<0.05). By week 6, both groups achieved a statistically significant difference in the values of all variables. Conclusion: NM with LSE and rESWT is more effective than LSE and rESWT in the third week, and was similarly effective in the sixth week of the treatment. NM with LSE and rESWT may be an alternative treatment option in the treatment of CLBP.

Resultados de la terapia con ondas de choque extracorpórea de baja intensidad en pacientes con angina refractaria / Results of low intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy in patients with refractory angina

RESUMEN Introducción: La terapia con ondas de choque extracorpórea de baja intensidad ha demostrado ser útil en el tratamiento de los pacientes con angina de pecho refractaria. Objetivo: Valorar los resultados de este tipo de terapia en pacientes con angina refractaria al tratamiento farmacológico. Método: Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental en 30 pacientes con angina de pecho refractaria a tratamiento, seleccionados de forma no probabilística a partir de los criterios de inclusión. A todos los pacientes se les aplicó terapia con ondas de choque extracorpórea de baja intensidad en el Cardiocentro Ernesto Guevara de Santa Clara, en el período comprendido de enero a diciembre de 2017. Se analizaron variables epidemiológicas, clínicas y ecocardiográficas al inicio del tratamiento y 6 meses después de concluido este. Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos demostraron una mejoría de la clase funcional (CF) de la Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS). Previo al tratamiento el 76,7% de los pacientes tenían una CF III y un 23,3% una CF IV, y a los 6 meses de concluida la terapia el 73,3% mejoró a la CF II y solo un 26,7% quedó en CF III. También se evidenció mejoría con respecto a parámetros ecocardiográficos como la motilidad regional y la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo, la cual, en los hombres, de una media al inicio de la terapia de un 37,81% alcanzó 44,14% a los 6 meses de concluida; y en las mujeres, de una media de 37,11% inicial llegó a 47,22% a los 6 meses después. Conclusiones: El tratamiento con ondas de choque constituye una alterativa terapéutica para los pacientes con angina refractaria.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Low intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy has proven useful in the treatment of patients with refractory angina pectoris. Objective: To assess the results of this type of therapy in patients with refractory angina to drug treatment. Method: A quasi-experimental study was carried out in 30 patients with refractory angina pectoris to treatment, selected in a non-probabilistic way, taking into account the following inclusion criteria. All patients were applied low intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the Cardiocentro Ernesto Guevara of Santa Clara, in the period from January to December 2017. Epidemiological, clinical and echocardiographic variables were analyzed at the beginning of the treatment and six months after it was completed. Results: The results obtained demonstrated an improvement of the functional class (FC) of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS). Previous to treatment, 76.7% of patients had a FC III and 23.3% a FC IV, and after six months of completed therapy, 73.3% improved to FC II and only 26.7 % remained in FC III. There was also an improvement with respect to echocardiographic parameters such as regional motility and left ventricular ejection fraction, which, in men, of an average at the start of therapy of 37.81% it reached 44.14% at six months of completed; and in women, of an average of 37.11% initially, it reached 47.22 % six months later. Conclusions: The treatment with shock waves represents a therapeutic alternative for patients with refractory angina.

Extra corporeal shock wave lithotripsy in renal and ureteric stones: an institutional experience

Introduction:Urolithiasis is one of the most common clinical conditions in the history of medicine. Treatment methods include conservative, surgical treatment and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Several stone characteristics are known to affect outcome of ESWL such as fragility, Hounsfield unit, size, site, composition etc. No study has been done till now regarding the efficacy and safety of ESWL in eastern Indian patients. Objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of ESWL in the management of patients with renal and ureteral stones. Methods: 112 outpatients were treated with ESWL. Stone size, location, total number of shockwaves, stone-free rate, complications and adjunctive interventions were investigated. Chi-Square and Logistic Regression analyses were used, with p<0.05 set as the level of significance. Result & Conclusion: The authors found significant association between the size and number of stones with fragmentation status. The authors found that stones of more than 11mm size are more resistant to ESWL. Authors found statistically significant association between the number of ESWL sessions with fragmentation status. However, more than 3 sessions also did not help much. It was also found that complications were more in partially fragmented group and more adjunctive procedures were required in partially fragmented group. The authors also noticed that the stented or non stented status and total number of shocks were not significantly associated with the fragmentation status of stones.