Table 4.
Details of studies included in the systematic review
| Author | Included in meta-analysis | Local anesthetic to both groups | Details of placebo/sub therapeutic dose | Ultrasound guidance | N | Weighted mean difference – morning pain (95%CI) | Timing of outcomes (weeks) |
| Abt et al [21] | yes | yes | Absorbent block | Not stated | 32 | 2.00 (0.47 to 3.53) | 19,32 |
| Buch et al [27] | yes | yes | Absorbent foil | yes | 150 | 0.70 (-0.26 to 1.66) | 12 |
| Buchbinder et al [10] | yes | no | 6000 to 7500 vs 300 impulses | yes | 178 | -0.50 (-1.55 to 0.55) | 6,12 |
| Cosentino et al [33] | no | no | Not stated | yes | 60 | Not available | 4,12 |
| Haake et al [11] | yes | yes | Polythene foil barrier | Not stated | 272 | 0.50 (-0.31 to 1.31) | 6,12, 52 |
| Krischek et al [22] | no | no | 1500 vs 300 impulses | Not stated | 50 | Not available | 6,12 |
| Ogden et al [28] | yes | yes* | Styrofoam block | no | 260 | 0.56 (-0.26 to 1.38) | 4,8,12 |
| Rompe et al [32] | no | no | 3000 vs 30 impulses | Not stated | 119 | Not available | 12, 52 |
| Rompe et al [30] | no | no | 1 cm gap | no | 36 | Not available | 3,6,12,24 |
| Rompe et al [31] | no | no | Reflecting pad | yes | 45 | 2.60 (1.37 to 3.83) | 26,52 |
| Speed et al [12] | yes | no | Focus outside patient | yes | 88 | -0.36 (-1.66 to 0.94) | 4,8,12,24 |
* Local anaesthetic was used for both groups but was different for the placebo group and the treatment group.