Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Enhances Graft Maturation at 2-Year Follow-up After ACL Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Graft maturation is an important prognostic factor for hamstring autograft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). It remains unclear whether extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) can promote graft healing after ACLR. Purpose: To evaluate the therapeutic and graft maturation effects of ESWT in hamstring autograft ACLR. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Between May 18, 2019, and September 20, 2019, we randomly assigned 30 patients who met study inclusion criteria to 2 groups. Patients in the control group followed a 5-week advanced rehabilitation training program (30 minutes/session, 5 times/week) starting at 3 months postoperatively. In the ESWT group, together with the 5-week advanced rehabilitation training, radial ESWT was applied once a week for 5 weeks. Functional scores (Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee, and Tegner scores), KT-1000 arthrometer knee laxity measurement, and magnetic resonance imaging scans were assessed at 3 months (baseline), 6 months, and 24 months postoperatively. To evaluate graft maturation, we assessed the graft signal-to-noise quotients (SNQs) of the tibial, intra-articular, and femoral sides on magnetic resonance imaging scans. Data were compared between the ESWT and control groups. Results: In total, 26 patients (13 with ESWT, 13 controls) were assessed. There were no significant between-group differences on any assessment at baseline, and no significant within-group or between-group differences were found in knee laxity at any point. At 24-month follow-up, the ESWT group had significantly higher Lysholm and Tegner scores compared with the controls ( Conclusion: Both enhanced graft maturation and improved functional scores at 24-month follow-up were seen in patients who received radial ESWT during rehabilitation after hamstring autograft ACLR. Registration: ChiCTR1900022853 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry).