J Korean Acad Rehabil Med.  2010 Apr;34(2):227-232.

The Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Pressure Ulcer

• Kim KY
• Kang JH
• Na JY
• Kang DK

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on pressure ulcers which is a major, functionally-limiting medical problem impairing quality of life for many people each year. METHOD: Seven patients who had stage 3 pressure ulcers were enrolled for the study. Each patient was treated with 6 sessions of low-energy (0.10~0.15 mJ/mm2, 1,000 impulses) ESWT. The length, width, depth and soft tissue biopsy of pressure ulcers were evaluated every 2 weeks for 6 weeks.
RESULTS
The length, width and depth decreased significantly after 2 weeks of ESWT application. Healthy granulation tissue was formed. Soft tissue biopsy revealed increased the number and size of capillaries and decreased inflammatory cells in treated case.
CONCLUSION
ESWT promoted wound healing and revealed favorable histological changes in pressure ulcers. We suggest that ESWT can be used for the safety and effective management of pressure ulcer.

Keyword

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy; Pressure ulcer; Wound healing

MeSH Terms

Biopsy
Capillaries
Granulation Tissue
Humans
Pressure Ulcer
Quality of Life
Shock
Wound Healing