The Effect of ESWT for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

The Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Patients With Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

The shock wave is a new and potential intervention for the reinnervation of peripheral nerve. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on cubital tunnel syndrome.

Investigators perform a prospective randomized, single-blinded study to investigate the effect of ESWT in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome.

Patients were randomized into intervention and control group. Participants in intervention group received three-sessions of ESWT and single one session of ESWT was given in control group. The evaluation was performed pretreatment as well as on the 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th and 24 week after the treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age between 20-80 year-old.
2. Typical symptoms and signs of cubital tunnel, such as positive Tinel's sign numbness/tingling in at least 5th digits, and in whom the diagnosis was confirmed using an electrophysiological study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Cancer
2. Coagulopathy
3. Pregnancy
4. Inflammation status
5. Patients who had conditions mimicking cubital tunnel syndrome, such as cervical radiculopathy, polyneuropathy, brachial plexopathy, thoracic outlet syndrome or who had previously undergone wrist surgery or steroid injection for cubital tunnel syndrome.