The Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Pressure Ulcer.

, Kim, Kweon Young; , Kang, Jung Hun; , Na, Jeong Yeop; , Kang, Dae Kweon

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine 2010;34(2):227-232.

Kim, Kweon Young , Kang, Jung Hun , Na, Jeong Yeop , Kang, Dae Kweon

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, Korea. rkdeornjs@naver.com

체외충격파치료기를 이용한 욕창의 치료 효과

김권영, 강정훈, 나정엽, 강대권

조선대학교 의과대학 재활의학교실

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)

Key Words: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, Pressure ulcer, Wound healing