Clinical effect on knee osteoarthritis treated with Fu's subcutaneous needling therapy

Abstract

ObjectiveTo observe and compare the clinical effect on knee osteoarthritis (KOA) between Fu's subcutaneous needling therapy (FSN) and convention acupuncture. MethodsA total of 80 outpatients with KOA were divided into a FSN group (40 cases) and a conventional acupuncture group (40 cases) according to random number table. Within 1 week of treatment, FSN was used once every two days in the FSN group. The needle tip of Fu's subcutaneous needle was inserted toward the affected muscle, about 5 mm in depth, at the angle of 15 to 25°. After the needle body lifted slightly, the needle went forward subcutaneously for 25 to 35 mm in depth and was swiped side to side horizontally with even exertion for about 1 min. According to the distribution of affected muscle, the reperfusion approach was repeated for 3 times consecutively. In the conventional acupuncture group conventional acupuncture was given, once a day, for 6 times totally. The scores of Western Ontario and McMaster universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and Lysholm knee scoring scale (Lysholm) were compared between the two groups before and after 1-week treatment. The clinical effect of the two groups was analyzed statistically and evaluated. ResultsAfter 1-week treatment with FSN, in the FSN group, the score of WOMACpain was reduced to be 7.7 ± 1.9 from 18.5 ± 3.2, the score of WOMACstiffness to be 1.5 ± 0.7 from 4.5 ± 1.8, WOMACfunction to be 22.7 ± 3.9 from 45.7 ± 2.7 and the score of WOMACoverall to be 31.9 ± 5.3 from 69.7 ± 6.5. The differences were significant in comparison before and after treatment (all P < 0.05). In the conventional acupuncture group, after 1-week treatment with conventional acupuncture, the score of WOMACpain was reduced to be 11.3 ± 2.8 from 18.2 ± 3.0, the score of WOMACstiffness to be 3.0 ± 1.6 from 5.6 ± 1.7, WOMACfunction to be 29.8 ± 5.1 from 44.3 ± 2.9 and the score of WOMACoverall to be 44.1 ± 7.8 from 69.1 ± 7.3. The differences were significant in comparison before and after treatment (all P < 0.05). WOMAC score of every item in the FSN group was lower obviously than that in the conventional acupuncture group (P < 0.01). After 1-week treatment, Lysholm score was increased to be 78.52 ± 18.4 from 59.64 ± 18.3 in the FSN group and it was to be 69.27 ± 11.9 from 58.17 ± 12.5 in the conventional acupuncture group. The differences were significant in comparison before and after treatment in either group (both P < 0.05). Lysholm score in the FSN group was higher than that in the conventional acupuncture group (P < 0.05). The total effective rate was 92.5% in the FSN group, higher than 77.5% in the conventional acupuncture group (P < 0.05). ConclusionFu's subcutaneous needling therapy effectively relieves the clinical symptoms of KOA and improves knee joint function. The therapeutic effect is better than that of the regular acupuncture.