ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the efficacy difference between acupuncture and western medication in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and twenty cases were randomly divided into an acupunc ture group and a western medication group, 60 cases in each group. In acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied mainly to Neixiyan (EX-LE 4), Dubi (ST 35), Yinlingquan (SP 9) and Yanglingquan (GB 34) and to the other acupoints selected according to syndrome differentiation. In western medication group, Glucosamine Hydrochloride capsules were applied for oral administration, 2 capsules each time, 3 times per day. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36, Chinese version) were used to assess the therapeutic effect before treatment, after 4 weeks treatment and in follow-up visit of 9 weeks after treatment separately.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 4 weeks treatment, the total effective rate was 86.7% (52/60) in acupuncture group and was 88.3% (53/60) in western medication group, indicating no statistical significant difference in the comparison between two groups (P > 0.05). In 9 weeks after treatment, the total effective rate was 83.3% (50/60) in acupuncture group, which was better than 61.7% (37/60, P < 0.05) in western medication group. The scores of WOMAC and SF-36 were all improved after treatment as compared with those before treatment in two groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in comparison between two groups after 4 weeks treatment (all P > 0.05). But, in follow-up visit of 9 weeks after treatment, the scores of WOMAC and SF-36 in acupuncture group were superior to those in western medication group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The short-term efficacies on osteoarthritis of knee in acupuncture group according to syndrome differentiation are similar to that of oral adiministration of Glucosamine Hydrochloride, but the long-term efficacy in acupuncture group is better than that in western medication group.</p>