Non-specific effects of traditional Chinese acupuncture in osteoarthritis of the hip.
OBJECTIVE
The effectiveness of acupuncture treatment in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip was tested.


METHODS
This is a prospective, randomized, controlled, patient- and investigator-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. Outcome parameters were: pain (VAS), functional impairment (hip score), activity in daily life (ADL) and overall satisfaction before treatment, and 2 weeks and 2 months after treatment.


RESULTS
For all parameters there was a significant improvement versus baseline in both groups 2 weeks and 2 months following treatment, 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 is associated with improvement in the symptoms of osteoarthritis. It appears to be less important to follow the rules of traditional acupuncture techniques.
Fink
M G
MG
Department for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, 30625, Germany. Fink.matthias@mh-hannover.de
Kunsebeck
H
H
Wipperman
B
B
Gehrke
A
A
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D015670:Acupuncture Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional; D008875:Middle Aged; D015207:Osteoarthritis, Hip / Q000628:therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction