Pseudarthrosis Treatment
Pseudarthrosis, also known as a nonunion fracture, refers to the failure of a bone to properly heal after a fracture or surgical intervention. This condition can cause pain, limited mobility, and significant functional impairment. Traditional treatment methods for pseudarthrosis have involved surgical intervention, often with the use of bone grafts.
Surgeons often use internal fixation devices, such as screws, plates, or rods, to stabilize the fracture site and facilitate bone fusion. While these techniques have demonstrated effectiveness, they are not always successful.
Historically physiotherapy has been a valuable component in pseudarthrosis treatment. While the primary focus of physiotherapy is not to directly address the nonunion of the bone, it plays a crucial role in promoting overall healing, restoring functional abilities, and improving the quality of life for individuals with pseudarthrosis.
However, recent advancements in medical technology have led to the exploration of alternative therapies, such as shockwave therapy, which show promise in helping individuals suffering from pseudarthrosis.
Our Shockwave Treatments
Achilles Tendonitis
Back Pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Dupuytren’s Disease
Golfer’s Elbow
Gout
Hip Pain
Knee Calcification
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome
Morton’s Neuroma
Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Patellar Tendinitis – Jumpers Knee
Pseudarthrosis
Scar Tissue Treatment
Shoulder Calcification
Shoulder Tendinitis & Bursitis
Stress Fractures
Tennis Elbow – Lateral Epicondylitis
Therapy for Diabetics with Frozen Shoulder
Trigger Finger
Pseudarthrosis Treatment
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy alone may not be sufficient to treat pseudarthrosis. It is typically used as part of a multidisciplinary approach that may also involve surgical interventions, pharmacological management, and other specialised treatments depending on the individual case.
Pseudarthrosis may lead to limited mobility, reduced range of motion and muscle weakness. Physiotherapy interventions include specific exercises, stretching, and joint mobilisation techniques to improve joint flexibility, muscle strength, and overall mobility.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal ShockWave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive medical procedure that has gained attention in recent years as a potential pseudarthrosis treatment. This therapy involves the application of high-energy acoustic waves to the affected area, promoting tissue regeneration and healing. While shockwave therapy has been widely used for the management of musculoskeletal conditions like tendinitis and plantar fasciitis, its application in treating pseudarthrosis is still relatively new.
Shockwave Therapy & Pseudarthrosis Treatment Research
There have been several clinical studies conducted on the effects of ESWT for pseudarthrosis. In a study published in the German publication Unfallchirurg in 2016, 42 non-unions were treated with shock waves and the follow up examinations were performed over a period of six months. The authors noted that “the fracture healing rate of 73 % after ESWT is comparable with operative healing rates of nonunions.” (1)
In another study undertaken between 2016 and 2019 with 44 consecutive patients with pseudarthrosis who were treated with radial shock waves as a nonsurgical treatment option. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically pre-treatment and 6 months later. After 6 months, clinical analysis and X-ray evidence on 77.2% of the patients presented bone union and clinical improvement classified as satisfactory result. There were no complications. (2)
These studies are in line with our own experience of successfully treating patients with pseudarthrosis.
We administer EMTT through a handheld device that is placed over the affected area. The treatment is painless and non-invasive, and typically takes just a few minutes to complete. Patients may receive several EMTT sessions over the course of a few weeks, depending on the severity of their symptoms and the extent of their injury.
We are one of the few clinics in the country offering this as a solution to this painful condition and we recommend you book an appointment soon.
EMTT Therapy for Pseudarthrosis Treatment
We are now using ElectroMagnetic Transduction Therapy (EMTT) in conjunction with Shockwave therapy as we have found the combination of the two treatments especially effective for dealing with pseudarthrosis.
EMTT is a non-invasive treatment that uses electromagnetic waves to stimulate healing in the affected area. The treatment works by producing a pulsed electromagnetic field that penetrates the tissues and stimulates cellular activity. This increased cellular activity can help to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and promote tissue repair, all of which can improve the symptoms of pseudarthrosis.
One of the major advantages of EMTT is that it is a non-invasive treatment that does not require any medication or surgery. This makes it a safe and convenient treatment option for patients who are looking for a non-invasive alternative to more invasive treatments.
EMTT works by generating electromagnetic fields that penetrate the skin and underlying tissues. These fields can stimulate the production of growth factors and other signalling molecules that promote tissue repair and regeneration. EMTT can also help reduce pain and inflammation by increasing blood flow and reducing the activity of pain receptors in the affected area.
ABOUT SHOCKWAVE CLINICS
Shockwave Clinics Ltd is the leading shockwave clinic in London and the UK with the most advanced and comprehensive range of shockwave and complimentary technologies, including magneto transduction therapy and radio frequency.
For over 10-years we have been using Focused Shockwave to treat numerous muscular problems caused by sports injuries as well as back pain, problems caused by invasive surgery and simple old age.