Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

IPG571/1

Question

NICE encourages further research into extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for Achilles tendinopathy, which may include comparative data collection. Studies should clearly describe patient selection, treatment protocols, use of local anaesthesia and the type and duration of energy applied (see section 3). Studies should include validated outcome measures and have a minimum of 1 year of follow-up. NICE may update the guidance on publication of further evidence.

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

The evidence on extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for Achilles tendinopathy raises no major safety concerns. Current evidence on efficacy of the procedure is inconsistent and limited in quality and quantity. Therefore, ESWT for Achilles tendinopathy should only be used with special arrangements for clinical governance, consent and audit or research.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for Achilles tendinopathy

Number

IPG571

Date issued

December 2016

Other details