Clinical observation of electroacupuncture in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis and to explore the possible mechanism of action of acupuncture in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Sixty patients meeting the diagnostic criteria for knee osteoarthritis were divided by a random number table into a treatment group (electroacupuncture group) and a control group (traditional acupuncture group), with 30 patients in each group; treatment lasted 30 days in both groups. WOMAC scores were assessed in each group before and after treatment, the WOMAC scores of both groups before and after treatment were recorded in detail, before-after comparisons within groups and between-group comparisons after treatment were made, and the results were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: 1. The total effective rate was 96.7% in the electroacupuncture group and 87.7% in the traditional acupuncture group; the difference between the two groups by Ridit analysis was statistically significant (P<0.05). 2. Within-group (before vs. after treatment) and between-group comparisons of WOMAC scores in the electroacupuncture and traditional acupuncture groups showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: 1. Both electroacupuncture and traditional acupuncture can reduce the total WOMAC score and individual symptom scores, and improve pain and physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. 2. The total effective rate of the electroacupuncture group was superior to that of the traditional acupuncture group; electroacupuncture can markedly relieve joint pain, ease joint stiffness and improve the mobility of the knee joint.