OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of the mobile lithotripter in the treatment of tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis. METHOD: A prospective single blind randomised trial was performed on 24 patients with tennis elbow and 23 patients with plantar fasciitis, with a mean duration of symptoms of 11 months. All patients had failed one or more method of treatment -- conservative, topical non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), steroid injection and/or surgery. The patients were divided into treatment and placebo groups. The placebo group received treatment with a clasp on the elbow/heel to stop penetration of shock waves. A baseline pain score was obtained using the Million visual analogue scale (0 to 10). The affected area was infiltrated with 3 to 5 mls of 1% lignocaine. The treatment consisted of 2,000 shock waves at 2.5 bars of air pressure with a frequency of 8 to 10Hz. A total of three treatments were given at an interval of two weeks, each lasting for three to four minutes. RESULTS: In the treatment groups, a final pain score at six months post treatment showed significant improvement (three or more points) in 78% of patients with tennis elbow and 93% of patients with plantar fasciitis. In the placebo groups, significant improvement was seen in one patient (9%) with tennis elbow. The other patients in the placebo groups did not show significant improvement. This was statistically significant (Chi square test) for both conditions. CONCLUSION: The mobile lithotripter is an effective way of treating tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis but warrants further larger studies.

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