Shockwave therapy in selected soft tissue diseases: a literature review.

Objective: The aim of our study is to present the current state of knowledge on the use of shockwave therapy (SWT) in the treatment of soft tissue wounds, by reviewing the available literature.

Method: Medical databases were searched for articles using the keywords: 'shockwave AND wound healing', 'shockwave AND ulcers', 'shockwave AND burns', 'shockwave AND bedsores', 'shockwave AND diabetic foot ulcer', 'ESWT AND wound healing', 'shock wave AND diabetic gangrene'.

Results: A total of 14 scientific articles were included in the study which described the methodology of treatments and list the type of generator, physical parameters used during the procedure, number of treatments and the type of treated wounds. From these articles, 191 soft tissue wounds were analysed.

Conclusion: Evidence from the articles analysed in this study suggests a beneficial effect of SWT to treat diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers and burns. SWT can be used in combination with standard treatment in soft tissue wounds.