Shockwave Therapy: A Non-Invasive Solution for Fracture Healing
Title of Study: The role of shockwaves in the enhancement of bone repair – from basic principles to clinical application
Authors: Rainer Mittermayr, Nicolas Haffner, Xaver Feichtinger, Wolfgang Schaden
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment initially developed for breaking kidney stones (lithotripsy) that has since proven effective in healing delayed or non-healing fractures. Over the past two decades, its application in orthopedics has expanded significantly.
Rather than inducing repair through microfractures, as once thought, the therapy works through a process called mechanotransduction. When applied, shockwaves generate mechanical signals that activate biological pathways in the body. These pathways promote natural regeneration by encouraging cells to multiply, move to the injury site, and transform into the types of cells needed for healing.
Clinically, shockwave therapy has been shown to support the recovery of acute, delayed, and non-union fractures, delivering results comparable to surgical treatments. However, unlike surgery, it avoids the need for open procedures and the potential complications that come with them, such as infections or longer recovery times.
The treatment’s non-invasive nature, effectiveness, and favorable cost-benefit ratio make it a preferred first-line option for patients with challenging fractures. By harnessing the body’s natural healing processes, shockwave therapy offers a safe and efficient alternative to traditional surgical interventions.