Shock wave therapy in foot and ankle nonunion fractures: case series

Abstract

Objective: Report a case series of five patients with foot and ankle nonunion fractures treated with radial-type extracorporeal shock
wave therapy.
Methods: This retrospective study described the evolution of five patients diagnosed with foot and ankle nonunion fractures, radiologically
and clinically, treated with radial shock wave therapy, admitted from September 2021 to August 2022 with outpatient follow-up.
Results: After the stipulated treatment sessions, all patients showed radiographic signs of bone callus, with improved pain and good
functional results. Comprehensively, treatment with radial shock waves for foot and ankle nonunion fractures was effective and did not
require intervention.
Conclusion: Radial-type shock wave therapy, especially in places of greater bone prominence, seems effective in treating nonunion
fractures, exposing the patient to a lower risk of complications than surgical treatment. Level of Evidence IV; Therapeutic Study; Case Series.