Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder: the ASSERT database

Introduction: This study aimed to determinate the effectiveness of extracorporal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder (CTS) in both the short and long term. Methods: Participants of this study were recruited by different clinicians of the National Health Service (NHS) and private sector centres in the United Kingdom. Data were collected in a web-based database [ Assessment of the Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) for Soft Tissue Injuries (ASSERT)]. The 15 participants (mean age 49.00 +/- 20.04 y) were treated using a standardized ESWT protocol. At baseline and again at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months following ESWT treatment, the participants were evaluated with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain perception, the Upper Extremity score for functional limitation assessment, and the 6 scores of EuroQol5D questionnaire (EQ-5D) for quality of life. Results: There was a significant improvement over time in 1 of the 8 analysed scores, the EQ-5D Thermometer Score (p=0.002). Conclusion: ESWT showed beneficial effects on the global health score over a 24-month follow-up period.