To investigate the effect of acupotomy
on knee osteoarthritis (KOA), compared to electro-
acupuncture (EA).
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 .
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).
Acupotomy and EA both have significant
effects in KOA treatment; the former is better
than the latter in relieving pain and improving
knee functions.