Treatment of Achilles Tendinosis with Shock Wave Therapy

An article from Jan 08'in the JBJS (Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery), that documented low energy shockwave therapy was effective in treatment of non-healing achilles tendinosis. The randomized controlled trial showed that 64% of patients receiving shock wave(group I) were completely recovered or much improved, versus 28% of those who received an eccentric loading exercise program (group II).

The study looked at 50 patients who have had pain for > 6months & failed conservative treatments.

http://www.ejbjs.org/cgi/content/abstract/90/1/52

I have been treating many patients lately (more than 50, with various injuries including achilles tendinosis, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, & bicep tendonosis with favorable results. I have all patients complete questionnaires 6 weeks after their initial treatment to determine a useful role for shockwave in my practice.

Ultimately I invision a protocol implementing various modalities to maximize the body's innate ability to heal itself. Furthermore, I am exploring the potential role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

I will soon post results from the 150 or so shock wave treatments I have done. However, larger studies requiring double blinded methods are required so that we can learn more about shockwave therapy.

Multi Center Clinical trials of Platelet Rich Plasma Underway

Many trials are in the pipeline in efforts of obtaining FDA approval for PRP injections. There is a multi-center placebo controlled double blinded study underway looking at plantar fasciitis(heel pain) & lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow).

http://www.biomet.com/patients/clinical_recruitment_recover.cfm

Also, Thanks to the many patients inquiring about info on docs around the country performing PRP procedures. Feel free to contact any of those listed in the link performing this particular study. At some point I may have a list of various PRP docs out there to help patients out. Please Continue to send requests.

On another note, we are currently examining the efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma with osteoarthritis. We are collecting objective data on all patients injected.