Application of High Energy Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Musculoskeletal Conditions in US Military Medical Facilities.

Abstract

Outcomes of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) vary due to the heterogeneity of application protocols and patient characteristics. United States military medical facilities offer a unique environment to study the effects of ESWT due to the large use, consistent protocol, and ability to care for young active individuals. A retrospective review was conducted from November 2008 to March 2015 to assess types of musculoskeletal conditions treated by ESWT in US military medical treatment facilities, the demographics of patients treated with ESWT (age and gender), the trend throughout the time in question, and the protocols implemented. A literature review was performed to compare the use in US military facilities to reported data. In this study we report how US military medical facilities are using ESWT to treat musculoskeletal conditions and outcomes reported in literature. The purpose of our research is to raise awareness of this treatment modality and areas for further research within the US military medical facilities.