Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of extracorporeal shock wave (ESW) on proliferation of chondrocyte in vitro. Methods Chondrocyte from normal rabbit knee using enzymatic digestion was treated with ESW of 0, 1×105, 1.5×105, 2×105, 2.5×105, 3×105, 3.5×105 Pa 0, 300, 600, 900 times in vitro. The pressure and frequency of ESW most promoting chondrocyte proliferation were determined with cartilage cell morphology, HE staining and CCK-8 assay. Results Chondrocyte proliferated most under 1.5×105 Pa and 600 times of ESW, and decreased as the pressure and the frequency increased. Conclusion Chondrocyte is stress-sensitive in vitro. ESW can promote chondrocyte proliferation in certain pressure and frequency

Key words: extracorporeal shock wave, chondrocyte, proliferation, stress cells