Effect of ultrasound-guided acupotomy vs electro-acupuncture on knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of acupotomy on knee osteoarthritis (KOA), compared to electro- acupuncture (EA).

METHODS: Sixty KOA patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: ultrasound-guided acupotomy group and EA group; each had 3 weeks' therapy. After the treatment, by contrast before and after therapy, by comparing curative effects among groups, we looked into disease improvement degree through activities of daily living score (ADL), hospital for special surgery index (HSS), visual analogue scales score (VAS) and knee joint's infrared thermal imaging detection .

RESULTS: Graded by ADL, the excellent rate in acupotomy group was much higher than EA group; both acupotomy group and EA group had obvious changes in HSS index before and after the therapy (P < 0.01). And there was remarkable difference in HSS index variation between the groups (P < 0.01). Acupotomy group and EA group showed big difference in pain index before and after treatment (P < 0.01). Apparent difference also existed in the comparison among groups (P < 0.01). Both acupotomy group and EA group had apparent changes in infrared thermal imaging detection before and after the treatment (P < 0. 01).

CONCLUSION: Acupotomy and EA both have significant effects in KOA treatment; the former is better than the latter in relieving pain and improving knee functions.