Introduction: A complex wound may be defined as a superficial, partial or full-thickness skin loss wound. This can range from a simple break in the epithelial integrity of the skin or it can be deeper, extending into subcutaneous tissue with damage to other structures such as tendons, muscles, and even bone. To heal complex wounds, focused shockwave therapy may be used. These shockwaves can be divided into electrohydraulic, piezoelectric and electromagnetic waves, depending on the type of source. Focused shockwaves penetrate through soft tissues, reaching a depth of 15 cm, boosting the regeneration process of cells through mechanotransduction and cavitation and consequently minimizing the sensation of pain. Purpose: To carry out a systematic review of professional and academic literature and to present the effects of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the treatment of complex diabetic wounds. Methods: In this bachelor’s thesis, we shall use a descriptive method of work. The literature was searched in Science Direct, PubMed databases in November 2018 to March 2019. The articles were analysed according to the size of the sample of individual studies, the dosage treated with UGV and according to the working methods used and the form of the research. Results: We analysed seven scientific articles, out of which five articles discussed chronic diabetic ulcers. One article dealt with a chronic lower limb wound, and one reflected on neuropathic ulcers. All of them compared the effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the treatment of chronic wounds. Discussion and conclusion: In most studies, extracorporeal shockwave therapy turned out to be a positive, non-invasive and rapid method of treating complex diabetic wounds, regardless of the parameters of the therapy, number of therapeutic sessions or the time frame between sessions. In order to confirm our results, more long-term randomized controlled trials should be carried out, including a larger number of participants. Moreover, additional research is needed to assess the effects of focused and non-focused extracorporeal shockwaves on treating chronic wounds.
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