Effect of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy for treating patients with chronic rotator cuff tendonitis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (ESWT) for treating patients with chronic rotator cuff tendonitis (CRCT).

METHODS: In this study, 84 patients with CRCT were randomly divided into intervention and control groups in a ratio of 1:1. Patients in the intervention group received ESWT, whereas those in the control group received placebo. The primary outcome was measured by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). The secondary outcomes were measured by the Constant-Murley score (CMS), simple shoulder test (SST) score, and adverse events.

RESULTS: Compared with placebo, ESWT showed greater efficacy in shoulder pain relief with regard to NRS score and shoulder function as measured by using CMS and SST score at 4 weeks (P < .05) and 8 weeks (P < .01) after treatment. However, no adverse events occurred in both groups.

CONCLUSION: ESWT was efficacious and safe for treating patients with CRCT.