Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of trochanteric bursitis: the ASSERT database

Introduction: This study aimed to determinate the effectiveness of extracorporal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of trochanteric bursitis (TB) 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 40 participants (mean age 56.35 ± 13.90 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 Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) for functional limitation assessment, and the 6 scores of EuroQol-5D questionnaire (EQ-5D) for quality of life. Results: There was a significant improvement over time in 2 of the 8 analysed scores that were VAS (p=0.0006) and the Pain/Discomfort score of EQ-5D (p=0.0003). Conclusion: ESWT showed beneficial effects on the pain relief in TB over a 24-month follow-up period. Level of evidence: IV.