Long-Term Outcome of Low-Energy Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis: Comparative Analysis According to Ultrasonographic Findings.
10.5535/arm.2014.38.4.534
- Author:
Jong Wan PARK
1
;
Kyungjae YOON
;
Kwang Soo CHUN
;
Joon Youn LEE
;
Hee Jin PARK
;
So Yeon LEE
;
Yong Taek LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. yongtaek1.lee@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Plantar fasciitis;
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT);
Ultrasonography;
Treatment outcome
- MeSH:
Diagnosis;
Fascia;
Fasciitis, Plantar*;
Follow-Up Studies;
Foot;
Heel;
Humans;
Interviews as Topic;
Physical Examination;
Shock*;
Treatment Outcome;
Ultrasonography
- From:Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine
2014;38(4):534-540
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term effect of low-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for plantar fasciitis (PF) according to ultrasonography (US) findings. METHODS: Thirty feet of 25 patients with clinical diagnosis of PF were enrolled and divided into two groups (Apparent-US and Uncertain-US) according to US findings, such as plantar fascia thickening or hypoechogenicity. Inclusion criteria were symptom duration >6 months and a fair or poor grade in Roles-Maudsley score (RMS). ESWT (0.10 mJ/mm2, 600 shocks) was given once a week for 6 weeks. Numeric rating scale (NRS) and RMS were evaluated prior to each ESWT session, at short-term follow-up (one week after all ESWT sessions) and long-term follow-up telephone interview (mean 24 months after ESWT). Good and excellent grade in RMS were considered as treatment success. RESULTS: Repeated measure ANOVA demonstrated that NRS significantly decreased with time after ESWT up to the long-term follow-up (time effect, p<0.001) without group-time interaction (p=0.641), indicating that ESWT equally decreased pain in both groups. Overall success rate was 63.3% (short-term follow-up) and 80.0% (long-term follow-up). In comparative analysis between groups, success rate of Apparent-US and Uncertain-US at short-term follow-up was 61.9% and 66.7%, respectively, and 85.7% and 66.7%, respectively, at long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: If other causes of heel pain are ruled out through meticulous physical examination and ultrasonography, low-energy ESWT in PF seems to be beneficial regardless of US findings. In terms of success rate, however, long-term outcome of Apparent-US appears to be superior to Uncertain-US.
