Focused Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Ischial Apophysitis in Young High-Level Gymnasts.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the effect and safety of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on ischial apophysitis (IA) in young high-level gymnasts. We hypothesized that ESWT would be safe and effective in alleviating pain.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SETTING

Funabashi Orthopedic Hospital.

PATIENTS: The subjects were 18 high-level gymnasts (mean age of 13 years) with a chief complain of chronic buttock pain diagnosed with IA.

INTERVENTIONS: Ten patients received only physiotherapy (PT), whereas 8 received both PT and ESWT to the ischial tuberosity. The basic protocol for ESWT was to use an energy dose of 0.20 mJ/mm 2 or less with 3000 shots per session at 4-week intervals.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We investigated whether PT and ESWT relieved the pain and allowed the patient to return fully to gymnastics. Based on radiographs at the last observation, we examined whether early closure of the apophyseal line of the ischium and around hip joint on the affected side occurred.

RESULTS

In the PT group, pain was relieved in 2 of 10 patients. In the ESWT group, pain was relieved and full return to gymnastics was possible in all 8 patients. None of the patients showed early closure of the apophyseal line.

CONCLUSIONS

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy can be a safe and effective treatment option for IA in young high-level gymnasts.