Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the management of insertional Achilles tendinopathy: the ASSERT database

Introduction: The present study determined the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in patients suffering from insertional Achilles tendinopathy over a 24-month period. Methods: Participants were recruited by different clinicians of the National Health Service (NHS) and private sector centres in the UK. The data of participants were collected in the ASSERT database (Assessment of the Effectiveness of ESWT for Soft Tissue Injuries). The 80 participants (average age 53.41 y; range 20-81 y) underwent a standardized ESWT protocol, and different outcome measures were collected at baseline and again after 3, 6, 12 and 24 months following ESWT intervention. The outcomes were the VAS, for pain perception, the VAS-A, for the severity of the Achilles tendinopathy in daily life activities, and the 6 scores of EuroQolt 5D, for quality of life. Results: There was a significant amelioration over time in 5 of the 8 analyzed outcomes (at least p=0.002) that were VAS, VISA-A, and EQ-5D -3L domains (Mobility, Pain/Discomfort, and Usual Activities scores). Conclusion: ESWT showed beneficial effects over a 24-month follow-up period when used for the treatment of Insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Level of evidence: IV.