Open AccessRadial extracorporeal shock wave therapy: a novel approach for the treatment of Dupuytren's contractures
Author(s) -
Stefano Brunelli,
Cinzia Bonanni,
Marco Traballesi,
Calogero Foti
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.59
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1536-5964
pISSN - 0025-7974
DOI - 10.1097/md.0000000000020587
Subject(s) - medicine , extracorporeal shock wave therapy , dash , weakness , physical therapy , muscle contracture , activities of daily living , extracorporeal shockwave therapy , surgery , physical medicine and rehabilitation , computer science , operating system
While the efficacy of focused Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of Dupuytren's disease (DD) is supported by one positive trial, the effects of radial ESWT is unclear. Patient concerns: A 79-year-old man with a 4-year history of impairment of left-hand function and pain due to DD with weakness and flexion deformities of middle and ring fingers. He has not been treated before for this impairment. Diagnosis: The diagnosis of DD was based on clinical features and ultrasound images. Interventions: Four weekly sessions of radial ESWT with 1400 impulses 3 bar each, 12 Hz. Outcomes: The limitations in activities of daily living were analyzed through the Disabilities of Arm Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) and Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire (MHQ) at baseline, after four sessions of radial ESWT and at 4-months follow-up. Data analysis showed a significant reduction of hand deformities and an improvement of daily living performance. The effects continued at the 4-months follow-up. Conclusion: This case report demonstrates the feasibility of radial ESWT. Radial ESWT sessions may be carried out by a physiotherapist in outpatient clinics with cost reduction compared with surgical treatment and focused ESWT. Radial ESWT is a non-invasive, well tolerated therapy, so it should be considered in the DD treatment.