The use of shock waves in medicine--a tool of the modern OR: an overview of basic physical principles, history and research.

Extracorporeal-generated shock waves were first used in medical therapy, to disintegrate kidney stones, approximately 20 years ago. Since this time, shock waves have changed the treatment of urolithiasis substantially and are now the first-choice treatment for kidney and ureteral stones. First clinical investigations of the shock-wave treatment of Induratio Penis Plastica (IPP) are showing promising results. Shock waves have also been used in orthopaedics and traumatology, to treat insertion tendinitis, non-unions or delayed unions, avascular necrosis of the head of femur and other necrotic bone alterations. Shock-wave application has also been used in the treatment of horse tendons, ligaments and bones in veterinary medicine. The theory of shock-wave therapy for orthopaedic diseases involves the stimulation of healing processes in tendons, surrounding tissue and bones. This is a completely different approach from that of urology, where shock waves are used for disintegration. This paper gives an overview of the basic physical principles of shock waves, and the history and basic research behind shock-wave use in medicine.