| Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of medium energy focused extracorporeal shock wave in the treatment of rotator cuff calcific tendinitis. Method: Fifty six patients with rotator cuff calcific tendinitis were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, 28 patients in each group. The control group and treatment group were treated with conventional drug therapy and rehabilitation training. Additionally, the treatment group was given medium energy (0.12-0.25 mJ/mm2) focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy, once a week for 4 weeks. The VAS and UCLA scores of patients were respectively assessed before treatment, 2 weeks and 4 weeks of treatment, and at 8th week after treatment. The disappearance rate of calcified foci was respectively assessed after 4 weeks of treatment, and at 8th week after treatment. Result: After 2 weeks of treatment: As compared with those before treatment, the VAS scores were significantly reduced, and UCLA scores were significantly increased in two groups (both P<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. After 4 weeks of treatment, as compared with those before treatment and after 2 weeks of treatment, VAS scores were significantly reduced, and UCLA scores significantly increased in two groups (all P<0.05), and the VAS scores were significantly higher, and the ULCA scores were significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). The disappearance rate of calcified foci was more obvious in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). At 8th week after treatment, as compared with those before treatment, after 2 weeks of treatment and after 4 weeks of treatment, VAS scores were significantly reduced, and UCLA scores significantly increased in two groups (P<0.05), and the VAS scores were significantly higher, and the ULCA scores were significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). There was significant difference in the disappearance rate of calcified foci between two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Medium energy focused extracorporeal shock wave can effectively reduce the pain of patients with rotator cuff calcific tendinitis, improve their shoulder joint movement function and promote the disappearance of calcified foci. |
