Extracorporeal Shock-Wave Therapy for Supraspinatus Calcifying Tendinitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Two Different Energy Levels.

BackgroundExtracorporeal Shock-Wave Therapy (ESWT) represents a valid instrument in the treatment of supraspinatus calcifying tendonitis (SCT) but there is limited evidence for the useful range of ESWT doses in its management.ObjectiveTo compare two different ranges of energy flux density in treatment of SCT with ESWT.DesignThis study was designed as a single-blind randomized clinical trial.SettingThis study was performed in a university hospital.PatientsForty-six patients with SCT were randomly assigned to two different therapeutic energy doses of ESWT.InterventionTreatment protocol consisted of 4 sessions performed once a week for 4 weeks with an energy level of 0.20 mJ/mm(2) in group A and 0.10mJ/mm(2) in group B.MeasurementsChange in the mean Constant Murley Scale (CMS) scores at 3 and 6 months was the primary endpoint. The change in the mean Visual Analogic Scale scores from baseline to 3 and 6 months after the intervention and radiographic change in size of calcium deposits were evaluated as secondary end points. At 12 months pain relief was assessed using the Numerical rating scale. RESULTS: /b>We observed significant clinical improvement after 6 months of CMS score mean in group A [79.43(10.33)], compared to group B [57.91 (6.53)]. Likewise, after 6 months we found a significant VAS scores decrease in group A [2.09 (1.54)] with respect to group B [5.36 (0.78)]. Calcific deposits disappeared in the same percentage of patients in both groups.LimitationsSample size and lack of a control group. CONCLUSIONS:/b>In ESWT for SCT, an energy level of 0.20 mJ/mm(2) appears to be more effective than an energy level of 0.10 mJ/mm(2) in pain relief and functional improvement.