PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - M T van Leeuwen
AU  - J Zwerver
AU  - I van den Akker-Scheek
TI  - Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for patellar tendinopathy: a review of the literature
AID  - 10.1136/bjsm.2008.050740
DP  - 2009 Mar 01
TA  - British Journal of Sports Medicine
PG  - 163--168
VI  - 43
IP  - 3
4099  - http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/43/3/163.1.short
4100  - http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/43/3/163.1.full
SO  - Br J Sports Med2009 Mar 01; 43
AB  - Background and purpose: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (EWST) has become a popular treatment for patellar tendinopathy. The purpose of this review was to study the effectiveness of ESWT treatment for patellar tendinopathy; to draft guidelines for an effective treatment protocol of ESWT treatment; and to identify topics for further research.Methods: A computerised search of the Medline and Embase databases was conducted on 1 August 2007, to identify studies dealing with the effectiveness of ESWT for patellar tendinopathy.Results: Seven articles describing the effectiveness of ESWT on patellar tendinopathy, all published after 2000, were included. These studies included a total of 283 patients (298 tendons), 204 of whom (215 tendons) were assigned to ESWT treatment. The treatment results were positive but most studies had methodological deficiencies, small numbers and/or short follow-up periods. Method of application and shockwave generation, energy level, number and frequency of treatments, use of (local) anaesthesia and method of localisation were variable.Conclusion: ESWT seems to be a safe and promising treatment for patellar tendinopathy with a positive effect on pain and function. Based on current knowledge it is impossible to recommend a specific treatment protocol. Further basic and clinical research into the working mechanism and effectiveness of ESWT for patellar tendinopathy are necessary.