Effect of Early Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Postoperative Pain and Functional Recovery After Intramedullary Nailing: An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objectives

Intramedullary (IM) nailing for hip fractures can cause iatrogenic abductor muscle injury, leading to pain and functional impairment. This study evaluated whether early extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) safely accelerates recovery.

Methods

In this open-label randomized controlled trial, 51 patients (≥50 years; intention-to-treat: ESWT n = 26; control n = 25) received either standard postoperative care (control) or standard care plus three ESWT sessions. The primary outcome was pain (Visual Analog Scale, VAS); the secondary outcome was hip function (modified Harris Hip Score, mHHS), assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results

Linear mixed-effects modeling showed significantly faster pain reduction in the ESWT group (group × time β

SUBMITTER: Yoon Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12653659 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature