"Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave in Patients with Musculoskeletal Injuries"

Abstract

The evaluation of technologies in the contemporary world has become a problem of increasing importance and urgency. Extracorporeal Shockwave therapies have been used successfully around the world for more than 20 years. It is a technology of recent incorporation in the Cuban context. An evaluative research was carried out at the International Orthopedic Scientific Complex (CCOI) "Frank País" in the period from March 2021 to July 2022. With the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in patients with musculoskeletal injuries. The universe was made up of all patients diagnosed with musculoskeletal injuries, who attended the hospital's outpatient clinic. Results-based effectiveness evaluation was applied. The criteria, indicators and standards that were used were validated by expert criteria. The effectiveness of shockwave therapy proved to be effective, as the defined standards achieved acceptable results in all six criteria (post-therapy pain relief, post-therapy restoration of joint mobility, independence in activities of daily living, use of the workday, patients without post-therapy complications and patients satisfied with the results of the treatment). The results achieved allowed us to verify that this technology is effective, useful and advisable in the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal injuries.