Effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on bone.

The research discusses the therapeutic use of extracorporeal shock waves on bones, demonstrating that they can stimulate osteogenesis (bone formation) and are routinely used in Europe for the treatment of nonunions in humans, as well as in veterinary settings for horses. Experimental findings suggest the therapy doesn’t damage soft tissue and fosters bone development in certain areas of equine limbs.

Background

• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a noninvasive treatment that has been employed for decades in the medical field, primarily for urolithiasis, a condition involving the formation of stones in the urinary tract. This therapy uses shock waves to break down stones into smaller pieces which can be then passed out of the body more easily.

Application on Bones

• The research indicates that when applied to bones, these shock waves have the ability to stimulate osteogenesis, or the formation of new bone tissues. This is achieved by delivering shock waves at a precise energy level and pulse number.

Use in Europe

• This method is regularly used in Europe to treat nonunions, which refers to a failure of a fractured bone to heal or a failure of a fusion process. However, the exact mechanism of how ESWT promotes bone healing remains poorly understood.

Usage in Veterinary medicine

• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy extends its utility in veterinary medicine too, particularly in treating horses. Both clinically and experimentally, ESWT has been shown to successfully stimulate bone growth without inflicting damage to the surrounding soft tissues.
• The study specifies this therapy’s effectiveness in regions like the distal aspect of the equine limb, and on the near cortex of the metacarpus and metatarsus of horses.

Conclusion of the research

• In conclusion, despite a lack of complete understanding of how ESWT promotes bone healing, its demonstrated efficacy and minimal invasiveness support its application in both human medicine, specifically in the treatment of nonunions, and in veterinary medicine, particularly for the treatment of horses.