Augmentation of Rehabilitation after ACL Reconstruction Using Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (rESWT)

Song, Y., Che, X., Wang, Z., Li, M., Zhang, R., Wang, D., & Shi, Q. (2024). Augmentation of rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction using radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT). BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 25(57). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-024-07177-8

Abstract

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) in enhancing rehabilitation outcomes for patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Seventy-two patients were assigned to receive either standard rehabilitation with rESWT or with sham rESWT, measuring outcomes such as pain, joint function, and mobility. Significant short-term improvements were noted in the rESWT group at 3 and 6 weeks, though no long-term differences were observed at 24 weeks. The findings suggest that rESWT may benefit early ACLR rehabilitation by reducing pain and improving function.

Objective

This study investigates the effectiveness of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) as an adjunct to standard rehabilitation in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods

A randomized, controlled trial was performed with 72 ACLR patients, divided into two groups: one receiving standard rehabilitation combined with rESWT and the other receiving standard rehabilitation with sham rESWT. The primary outcome measures included the Lysholm Knee Score (LKS), range of motion (ROM), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, assessed from baseline up to 24 weeks post-treatment.

Results

Initial improvements in LKS, ROM, and IKDC scores were observed in the rESWT group at 3 and 6 weeks post-treatment, with significant reductions in VAS scores indicating decreased pain levels. However, these differences were not statistically significant at the 24-week follow-up.

Conclusion

Early application of rESWT in ACLR rehabilitation appears to improve functional outcomes such as joint function and pain relief in the short term. Although these benefits were not distinguishable from the control group at 24 weeks, rESWT shows potential as a beneficial component of early rehabilitation strategies following ACL surgery. Further research is needed to fully determine the long-term benefits and optimal application of rESWT in ACLR rehabilitation.