D Agostino · Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents 2016 · narrative review · n=?

Extracorporeal shockwaves as regenerative therapy in orthopedic traumatology: a narrative review from basic research to clinical practice.

Cited 30 times in the scientific literature.

Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data

Narrative review of mechanisms and clinical rationale without original data or systematic review methodology.

PubMed 27358117 · record verified 2026-08-29

What was done

The authors conducted a narrative review synthesizing basic research and clinical applications of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in musculoskeletal disorders and orthopedic traumatology, focusing on mechanotransduction mechanisms and tissue regeneration.

What was found

The abstract reports no quantitative data or numerical outcomes. It qualitatively describes ESWT as promoting neoangiogenesis, osteogenesis, tissue trophism, and stem cell stimulation via mechanotransduction, proposing it as a safe, non-invasive alternative or adjunct to surgery for delayed bone and skin healing.

Why it matters

The paper frames ESWT as a biological regenerative tool rather than a mechanical disruption modality, advocating for its use in post-traumatic orthopedic healing disorders.

Limits

This is an unsystematic narrative review providing theoretical mechanisms and expert opinion rather than original empirical data. The abstract contains no methodology, patient sample sizes, or quantitative outcome measures.

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