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By Christensen BV; Iuhl IU; Vilbek H; Bulow HH; Dreijer NC; Rasmussen HF.
Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica, 1992 Aug, 36(6):519-25.
(UI: 92383960)
Pub type: Clinical Trial; Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial.
AT: UCLA siomed W1 AC7175
(PE title: Acta anaesthesiologica Scandinavica.)
Abstract:
PURPOSE: Acupuncture treatment of patients waiting for arthroplasty
surgery.
METHODS: 29 patients with a total of 42 osteoarthritic knees were
randomized to two groups. Group A was treated while Group B served as a
no-treatment control group. After 9 weeks Group B was treated too.
Analgesic consumption, pain and objective measurements were registered. All
objective measures were done by investigators who were "blinded" as to
Group A & B. In the second part of the study 17 patients (26 knees)
continued with treatments once a month. Registration of analgesic
consumption, pain and objective measurements continued. Total study period
49 weeks.
RESULTS: Comparing Group A to B there was a significant reduction
in pain, analgesic consumption and in most objective measures. In Group A +
B combined there was an 80% subjective improvement, and a significantly
increased knee range movement - an increase mainly in the worst knees.
Results were significantly better in those who had not been ill for a long
time. In the second part of the study, it was shown that it was possible to
maintain the improvements.
CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture can ease the discomfort
while waiting for an operation and perhaps even serve as an alternative to surgery. Seven patients have responded so well that at present they do not
want an operation. (USD 9000 saved per operation).
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