Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy: the ASSERT database

Introduction: This study aimed to determinate the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for patients suffering from patellar tendinopathy (PT) in both the short and long term. Methods: The participants of this study were recruited by different clinicians of the National Health Service (NHS) and private sector centres in the United Kingdom. Data were collected in a web-based database (Assessment of the Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) for soft Tissue Injuries (ASSERT)). The 49 participants (mean age 39.26 +/- 11.70 y) were treated using a standardized ESWT protocol. At baseline and again at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months following ESWT treatment, the participants were evaluated with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain perception, the VISA-P scale for functional limitation assessment, and the 6 scores of the EuroQol-5D questionnaire (EQ-5D) for quality of life. Results: There was a significant improvement over time in 4 of the 8 analysed scores (all with at least p=0.0001). The scores that significantly improved were VAS, VISA-P, and 2 scores of EQ-5D (Pain/Discomfort and Usual Activities). Conclusion: ESWT showed beneficial effects on PT over a 24-month follow-up period.