Neurology Asia  2018;23(3):233-238

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in cubital tunnel syndrome: A pilot study

Yu-Ping Shen 1 ; Yin-Yin Wu 1 ; Heng-Yi Chu 1 ; Tsung-Ying Li 1 ; Liang-Cheng Chen 1 ; Yung-Tsan Wu 1

Affiliations

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Keywords

Cubital tunnel syndrome; ulnar neuropathy; extracorporeal shock wave therapy; disability

Country

Malaysia

Language

English

Abstract

To investigate the clinical therapeutic effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. Methods: Seven patients (10 elbows) with moderate cubital tunnel syndrome participated in this study. Three sessions of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (2,000 shots, 4 Bar, 5 Hz) (once a week) were administered to the ulnar nerve at the proximal cubital tunnel region. The primary and secondary outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (Quick DASH), respectively, at the 4th, 8th, and 12th week, following the 3rd session of shock wave therapy. Results: The VAS and Quick DASH scores demonstrated improvements at all follow-up time points, in all treated elbows. The mean VAS and Quick DASH score improved from 4.7±0.3(mean±SE) to2.2±0.2 and 16.6±2.1to 6.8±1.6 respectively during 12 weeks follow up (all p <0.01). Conclusion: This pilot study revealed the safety and efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in patients with moderate cubital tunnel syndrome.