Search

Background: Ultrasound-guided galvanic electrolysis technique (USGET) is an innovative mini-invasive intervention with the potential to optimise outcomes in the treatment of Achille's tendinopathy (AT)., Objective: The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate the efficacy of adding USGET to conventional eccentric exercise treatment in patients with chronic AT., Methods: Inclusion criteria were patients with unilateral non-insertional AT, pain lasting > 3 months, aged 25-60 years. Patients were randomised in two groups receiving the same physiotherapy treatment (2 sessions per week for 8 weeks). In addition, the experimental group received three USGET stimulations, one every 15 days. Outcome measures were assessment of Achilles tendinopathy severity using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) and pain intensity using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Assessment points occurred at the onset of treatment (T0), its conclusion (T1), and subsequent follow-ups at one (T2) and two months (T3)., Results: Out of the 52 patients who met the study inclusion criteria, two participants withdrew from the study, resulting in a total of 50 subjects who completed the research. None of the parameters showed a different distribution at T1 (p> 0.337). At T2, there was a statistical difference in VISA-A (p= 0.010) and its subscales and VAS (p= 0.002) in the USGET group. At T3, both groups improved with a statistical difference observed in VISA-A (p< 0.001) and its subscales Pain (p= 0.004), Function (p= 0.003) and Sport (p= 0.002), but the EG patients showed a greater improvement. No adverse events were reported., Conclusion: The effect of USGET combined with eccentric exercise appears to be a safe and effective technique for achieving pain relief and functional recovery in the medium term, supporting the integrated use of USGET as a rehabilitative treatment option for patients with chronic AT.

Rationale: Calcific tendinopathy is one of the most frequent causes of nontraumatic shoulder pain. However, intra-articular calcifications appear to be an infrequent condition. We herein report a rare case study of an intra-articular calcification of the acromioclavicular joint., Patient Concerns: A 46-year-old man presented with an acute pain in the anterior superior region of the left shoulder which also radiated to the left cervical region. The man during the physical evaluation also presented severe functional limitation of the shoulder movements in all planes of motion., Diagnoses: The diagnosis was carried out through a radiographic and an echotomographic examination, highlighting the intra-articular calcific formation associated to a reactive inflammatory reaction., Interventions: An ultrasound-guided percutaneous treatment following the guidelines for calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder was carried out., Outcomes: The posttreatment was satisfactory with the disappearance of the pain and the recovery of the shoulder movements in all planes of motion., Lessons: We can affirm that the ultrasound-guided percutaneous treatment in patients with calcification of the acromion-clavicular joint represents a valid and nonpainful therapeutic treatment.