[Effect of needle acupuncture on pain perception and functional impairment of patients with coxarthrosis].
OBJECTIVE
The effectiveness of acupuncture treatment in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip was tested.


METHODS
This is a prospective, randomized, controlled patient and examiner blinded clinical trial.


METHODS
The study was performed at a university department for physical medicine and rehabilitation. Sixty-seven patients were separated into two treatment groups.


METHODS
Group 1 (treatment) had traditional needle placement and manipulation, whereas in group 2 (control) needles were placed away from classic positions and not manipulated. In both groups needles were placed within the L2 to L5 dermatomes. Endpoints were pain (VAS), functional impairment (hip score), activity of daily living (ADL) and overall satisfaction before treatment, 2 weeks and 2 months post-intervention.


RESULTS
For all endpoints there was a significant improvement in both groups 2 weeks and 2 months following treatment versus baseline, but no significant difference between the two treatment groups.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude from these results that needle placement in the area of the affected hip by itself improves symptoms of osteoarthritis. It appears to be less important to follow the rules of traditional acupuncture techniques.
Fink
M G
MG
Abteilung Physikalische Medizin und Rehabilitation Med. Hochschule Hannover.
Künsebeck
H W
HW
Wippermann
B
B
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification*; D015669:Acupuncture Points; D015670:Acupuncture Therapy; D000368:Aged; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015207:Osteoarthritis, Hip / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome