Abstract
Objective In this paper, we retrospectively reviewed the difference in clinical effectiveness of shock wave therapy and electroacupuncture therapy on knee osteoarthritis. Methods A total of 128 treatment cases of knee osteoarthritis patients were extracted from the medical record system of Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital during the period from January 1, 2018, to January 30, 2020. The cases were divided into three groups for different treatments: shock wave group (n = 54), electroacupuncture group (n = 41), and control group (n = 33). The shock wave group was given shock wave therapy combined basis clinical treatment; meanwhile, the electroacupuncture group was given electroacupuncture on the basis of actual clinical treatment. The control group was given conventional topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Voltaren). Osteoarthritis index scale, NRS scale, and WHOQOL-BREF were observed before treatment, after 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after treatment. Results This study found that the osteoarthritis index scale and NRS scale of the shock wave group and the electroacupuncture group were lower than those before treatment; it had significant difference (P < 0.001). In WHOQOL-BREF, the shock wave group and the electroacupuncture group improved significantly four weeks after treatment (P < 0.001), which was statistically different from the conventional group (P = 0.04). Conclusion Physical and rehabilitation medicine treatment (shock wave therapy) and traditional medical treatment (electroacupuncture) have better clinical effects on knee osteoarthritis, compared with conventional treatment. Shock wave and electric acupuncture have no apparent adverse reaction, suggesting that the treatment is safe and effective.
Highlights
Background and AimKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common chronic disease of osteoarthritis, with a relatively high incidence in the elderly
The knee osteoarthritis patients in the control group, the electroacupuncture group, and the shock wave group were scored on the osteoarthritis index before treatment, after 2 weeks of treatment, and after 4 weeks of treatment
This study found that electroacupuncture combined with drugs and shock wave combined with drugs are more effective than conventional drug treatment in terms of arthritis index
Summary
Background and AimKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common chronic disease of osteoarthritis, with a relatively high incidence in the elderly. Traditional Chinese acupuncture has a long history in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis It has significant effects in relieving patients’ pain and improving clinical symptoms, and even in repairing degenerative knee joints with simple, convenient, and easy operation [4,5,6]. Electroacupuncture plays a direct role in improving muscle function and has a complex central analgesic mechanism [11], which may play a direct antiinflammatory effect on articular cartilage, resulting to treating pain and alleviating the degradation of KOA cartilage [12]. The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical efficacy, adverse reactions, and safety of rehabilitation therapy (shock wave therapy) and alternative medicine (traditional Chinese acupuncture electroacupuncture) in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. This study provided a new idea of integrated rehabilitation medicine for the clinical treatment of knee osteoarthritis
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