Abstract

Objective
To investigate the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on pressure ulcers which is a major, functionally-limiting medical problem impairing quality of life for many people each year. Method: Seven patients who had stage 3 pressure ulcers were enrolled for the study. Each patient was treated with 6 sessions of low-energy (0.10∼0.15 mJ/mm², 1,000 impulses) ESWT. The length, width, depth and soft tissue biopsy of pressure ulcers were evaluated every 2 weeks for 6 weeks. Results: The length, width and depth decreased significantly after 2 weeks of ESWT application. Healthy granulation tissue was formed. Soft tissue biopsy revealed increased the number and size of capillaries and decreased inflammatory cells in treated case. Conclusion: ESWT promoted wound healing and revealed favorable histological changes in pressure ulcers. We suggest that ESWT can be used for the safety and effective management of pressure ulcer. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2010; 34: 227-232)

• Keywords: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, Pressure ulcer, Wound healing