Therapeutic effect of Yaotongning Capsules and thunder-fire moxibustion in treatment of 40 cases of lumbar disc herniation with cold and blood-stasis syndrome / 中草药

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy effect of Yaotongning Capsules combined with thunder-fire moxibustion on lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Methods: A total of 80 LDH patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into observation group and control group, with 40 cases in each group. The observation group was treated with Yaotongning Capsules combined with thunder-fire moxibustion, and the control group was treated with ibuprofen sustained release capsule combined with thunder-fire moxibustion. VAS score, JOA score, ODI score and clinical efficacy were compared. Results: VAS scores and ODI scores of the two groups after treatment were lower than those before treatment (P < 0.05), and the JOA score was higher than that before treatment (P < 0.05); After treatment, the VAS score and ODI score in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05); After treatment, the JOA score was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The clinical efficacy of the observation group was better than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The clinical treatment of Yaotongning Capsules combined with thunder-fire moxibustion treating LDH can obviously alleviate the pain symptoms and improve the daily function of the patients, which is worthy of further clinical application.

Surgical Outcome of Elderly Patients Having Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Comparative Study Using JOA Scoring

Background: Surgical outcome in patients with cervicalspondylotic myelopathy may affects by variety of factors.Different study outcome suggest that the number of symptomsand involved levels, symptom duration and posterior approachsignificantly increased with increasing age, whereaspreoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association scoredecreased among the different age groups.Objective: The goal of this study is to analyze the surgicaloutcome by comparing younger and elderly patient groups onthe basis of preoperative radiological and clinical data.Methods: To find out the surgical outcome the clinical andradiological data of 32 patients who underwent expansivelaminoplasty were reviewed after their surgery had beenperformed. All of the Patients were divided into two groups,group (a): younger patient group (<65 yr of age; n = 13) andan elderly patient group (≥65 yr of age; n = 19). Patients wereassessed by use of the Japanese Orthopaedic Associationscale (JOA) to know the neurological status of them. Computedtomographic myelography and magnetic resonance imagingexamined for radiological feature. Finally, the effects of theclinical and radio-logical findings on neurological outcome wereinvestigated.Results: The scores of preoperative and postoperative meanof (JOA) in elderly patients were significantly lower thanyounger patients. In the elderly patients cases, the transversearea of the spinal cord at the level of maximum compressionand symptom duration were the factors that predicted anexcellent recovery on the other hand the transverse area wasthe only predictor of excellent recovery in younger patients.Intensity change on the spinal cord and age, preoperativeJapanese Orthopaedic Association score, canal diameter werenot predictive in either age range.Conclusion: Both younger and elderly patient groups thetransverse area of the spinal cord may be a reliable predictor ofexcellent recovery. In case of elderly patients shorter symptomduration was an important factor in the excellent recovery.

Efficacy comparision of lumbar disc herniation treated with acupuncture at different time intervals / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of lumbar disc herniation treated with acupuncture at different time intervals.@*METHODS@#A total of 180 patients of lumbar disc herniation were randomized into an observation group 1, an observation group 2 and an observation group 3, 60 cases in each one. All patients were treated with acupuncture at Jiaji L-L (EX-B 2), Huantiao (GB 30), Weizhong (BL 40), etc. And then KWD-808 electroacupuncture instrument was connected, time intervals of acupuncture were once every day, once every 2 days and once every 3 days, 3 weeks were provided. At 1-week, 2-week and 3-week treatment, the visual analogous scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopedics Association (JOA) scale were observated, and the effects were evaluated.@*RESULTS@#The effective rates in the observation group 1 and the observation group 2 were 96.7% (58/60) and 95.0% (57/60), there was no significant different between the two groups (>0.05), which were superior to 88.3% (53/60) in the observation group 3 (both 0.05) at 1-week, 2-week and 3-week treatment, however, they were significantly reduced compared with the observation group 3 (all 0.05) at 1-week, 2-week and 3-week treatment, however, they were significantly increased compared with the observation group 3 at 3-week treatment (both <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture once every day and once every 2 days in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation is equally effective, better than once every 3 days.

Efficacy of percutaneous intervertebral foramen and TLIF in treatment of extreme lateral lumbar disc herniation / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of percutaneous intervertebral foramen and TLIF in the treatment of extreme lateral lumbar disc herniation and the SF-36 score.Methods A total of 90 patients with extreme lateral lumbar disc herniation admitted in our hos-pital from March 2015 to March 2017 were selected as the subjects,who were divided into the control group ( traditional therapy) and the study group(percutaneous intervertebral foramen treatment), according to the different surgical methods,45 cases in each group.The treat-ment,pain,SF-36 score and other indicators of two groups were observed.Results The rate of excellence and good was 97.78% in the study group and 86.67% in the control group,the difference was significant(P<0.05).The blood loss was (46.83 ± 3.64)mL in the study group and (79.32 ±5.47)mL in the control group,the difference was significant(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the scores of SF-36 and JOA between the two groups(P>0.05).After treatment,the two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05),the improvement rate of the study group was more obvious (P<0.05).After treatment,TNF-α,IL-6 and CRP levels were significantly better than those in the control group (P<0.05).Conclusion Percutaneous intervertebral foramen treatment of extreme lateral lumbar disc herniation can reduce the intraoperative blood loss and improve the quality of life

Therapeutic Observation of Bai Xiao Moxibustion plus Electroacupuncture for Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Bai Xiao moxibustion plus electroacupuncture in treating lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (LIDH). Method Ninety-six LIDH patients were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 48 cases each. The treatment group was intervened by Bai Xiao moxibustion plus electroacupuncture, while the control group was intervened by electroacupuncture alone. Before and after the treatment, the lower back pain scores of Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were evaluated, and the clinical efficacies of the two groups were compared. Result The JOA and VAS lower back pain scores were changed significantly after the treatment in both groups (P<0.05). After the treatment, the JOA and VAS lower back pain scores of the treatment group were significantly different from those of the control group (P<0.05). The pain release time was (2.95±0.59)d after the intervention in the treatment group versus (4.26±0.68)d in the control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 95.7％ in the treatment group versus 91.7％ in the control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion Bai Xiao moxibustion plus electroacupuncture is an effective method in treating LIDH and it can reduce the lower back pain.

Clinical effect of Zhanjinhuoxue Formula combined tower-type pad natural traction for treating pure thoracolumbar compression fracture / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of Zhanjinhuoxue Formula combined with the tower-type pad natural traction for the treatment of pure thoracolumbar compression fracture.Methods Fifty patients with thoracolumbar compression fractures treated in our hospital from January to December 2014 were selected and divided into the observation group(n=25) and control group(n=25).The control group was given the tower-type natural traction method,while the observation group was given Zhanjinhuoxue Formula combined with the tower-type pad natural traction method.The curative effect,pain score,activity ability score,analgesic drugs score,bone mineral density (BMD) and the Japanese Orthopedic Association(JOA) score were compared between the two groups.Results The effective rate was 92.00％ in the observation group and 68.00％ in the control group,the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (x2 =4.50,P＜0.05).The pain score,activity ability score and analgesic drugs score after 6-month treatment in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P＜0.05);the BMD and JOA scores in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P＜0.05).Condusion Zhanjinhuoxue Formula coordinated by the tower-type pad natural traction method can conduce to alleviate the pain symptom in the patients with pure thoracolumbar compression fracture,increases the movement function and improves the treatment effect.

Comparative effects of ultra-aged patients with multilevel cervical surgical treatment options / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate the effect of super-aged multilevel cervical spondylosis different surgical treatment op tions Abstract Objective.Methods Selected July 2010 Ultra old multilevel cervical spondylosis March 2015 in our hospital 80 ca ses,the anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) and by anterior discectomy and fusion (ACDF) included anterior group,the posterior laminoplasty (PCL) included in the posterior group,the clinical efficacy of two groups were compared,and postoperative conditions and cervical spinal cord injury rates before and after treatment (JOA score),cervical Disability index (NDI index),lordosis and cervical spine.Results Anterior group of 43 cases,including 28 cases of excellent(65.12％),5 cases of good (11.63％),7 cases of moderate(16.28％),3 cases of poor(6.98％),the good rate was 76.74％;posterior group 37 cases,including 24 cases of excellent(64.86％),3 cases of good(8.l1％),6 cases of moderate(16.22％),4 cases of poor(10.81％),the good rate was 72.97 ％.The difference has no statistically significant (P＞0.05) in good rate.Anterior operative time was significantly higher than the posterior group (P＜0.05),blood loss,hospital stay was significantly lower than the posterior group (P＜0.05),the time of symptoms disappeared has no significant difference in two groups(P＞0.05).After treatment,patients in posterior group,the JOA score,cervical activity significantly were higher than the anterior group,lordosis anterior group were significantly higher than the posterior group,the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05).Conclusion Anterior super aged multilevel cervical disease,posterior approach has achieved good clinical efficacy but greater advantage posterior surgery in patients with long term im provement in the cervical spine function.

Clinical Observations on Acupuncture plus Lumbar Vertebra-stabilizing Muscle Group Training for Treatment of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical improving effect on the symptoms of acupuncture at point Weizhong(BL40) plus following lumbar vertebra-stabilizing core muscle group training in patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. Method Sixty patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation were randomized to a treatment group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases). The treatment group received acupuncture at point Weizhong plus following lumbar vertebra-stabilizing core muscle group training and the control group, oral administration of celecoxib capsules. After treatment, the clinical improving effect on the symptoms was evaluated in the patients using the NRS, JOA Lumbar Scoring and ODI. Result The total efficacy rate was 100% in the treatment group and 53.3%in the control group. Post-treatment NRS, JOA and ODI scores were better in the treatment group than in the control group; there were statistically significant differences (P<0.001). Conclusion Acupuncture at point Weizhong plus following lumbar vertebra-stabilizing core muscle group training can effectively treat lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.

Application of intraoperative nerve electrophysiological monitoring inlumbosacral spinal cord tumor resection / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To study intraoperative neural electrophysiological monitoring applied in lumbosacral spinal cord tumor resection.Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 212 patients undergoing lumbosacral spinal cord tumor resection with or without intraoperative neural electrophysiological monitoring in our hospital.The patients were divided into two groups:124 patients in the monitored group received intraoperative neural electrophysiological monitoring while 88 ones in the control group did not.The monitoring was performed by recording the cortical somatosensory evoked potential (CSEP),dermatomal somatosensory evoked potential (DSEP) and electromyography (EMG).The patients were followed up for 3-6 months and their postoperative outcome was analyzed.Results There were significant differences in the outcome (P <0.05),but no difference was found in the incidence of complications between the monitored group and the control group.The sensitivity of CSEP +DSEP+EMG was 100%,and the specificity was 55.9% in the former group.Conclusion Combined monitoring with CSEP,DSEP and EMG during lumbosacral spinal cord tumor resection is valuable in protecting the spinal nerve roots and ensuring better operation safety.

Comparison of the efficacy of intraspinal tumor resection under quadrant channel and hemilaminectomy surgery / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of intraspinal tumor resection under quadrant channel and hemilaminectomy surgery.Methods We retrospectively studied 33 patients with intraspinal tumor with the lesion length of less than 5 cm hospitalized in our hospital from July 2013 to July 201 5.Of the 33 patients,1 6 patients received intraspinal tumor resection under quadrant channel and 1 7 patients received intraspinal tumor resection under hemilaminectomy surgery.We compared various indicators in the two groups,including the length of surgical incision,surgical operation time,bleeding volume during operation,time for the first ground activity after surgery,length of hospital stay (LOS)after surgery,visual pain simulation (VAS)score 1 week after surgery, and JOA score excellent and good rates.Results The patients who received quadrant channel intraspinal tumor resection outperformed those who received hemilaminectomy surgery regarding the length of surgical incision, bleeding volume during operation,time for the first ground activity after surgery,LOS after surgery,and VAS score 1 week after surgery (P <0.05 ).Conclusion Intraspinal tumor resection under quadrant channel is a safe and effective therapy because of small trauma,less bleeding,quick recovery and curative effect.

Clinical Observation of Electroacupuncture plus Needle-cupping for Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture plus needle-cupping in treating lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (LIDH). Method Eighty patients with LIDH were divided into an observation group and a control group by random number table, 40 in each group. The observation group was intervened by electroacupuncture plus needle-cupping, while the control group was by electroacupuncture plus cupping. The clinical efficacy, Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scores (M-JOA) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were observed and comparatively analyzed. Result The total effective rate was 95.0% in the observation group, significantly different from that of the control group (P＜0.05); the M-JOA scores increased significantly (P＜0.05) and VAS scores dropped significantly (P＜0.05) in both groups, and the changes of the scores were markedly different between the two groups (P＜0.05), indicating that the improvement in the observation group was more significant. Conclusion Electroacupuncture plus needle-cupping can produce a significant therapeutic efficacy in treating LIDH.

The Different Sign of Nerve Root Sedimentation on MRI in Patients between Lumbar Spondylolisthesis and Lumbar Disc Herniation / 天津医药

Objective To evaluate and compare the presence of the nerve root sedimentation sign in patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis (LS) and lumbar disc herniation(LDH). Methods One hundred and fifty-one patients with degen?erative lumbar spinal disease treated by surgery from July 2012 to March 2014 were reviewed retrospectively in Tianjin Hos?pital. All the patients were divided into two groups:LS group (48 cases) and LDH group (103 cases). The clinical outcomes were evaluated by Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA). The probability of positive sedimentation sign was compared be?tween LS group and LDH group. Correlation between the JOA score and nerve root sedimentation sign were analysed in two groups. Results There was no statistical difference in JOA score between LS group and LDH group (15.83±3.57 vs 16.76± 3.10, t=1.624, P=0.107). A positive sedimentation sign was identified in 39 patients in the LS group (81.25%) but in 65 pa?tients in the LDH group (63.11%). The difference between LS group and LDH group was statistically significant(χ2=5.028, P=0.031). In LS group, JOA scores of patients with positive nerve root sedimentation sign were lower than those of patients with negative nerve root sedimentation sign(15.33±3.50 vs 18.00±3.20, t=2.092,P=0.042);but in LDH group, there was no statistical difference in JOA scores of patients between positive nerve root sedimentation sign and negative nerve root sedi?mentation sign (16.40±3.13 vs 17.37±2.99, t=1.539, P=0.127). Conclusion A positive sedimentation sign also occurs in pa?tients with LDH, but positive nerve root sedimentation sign are more likely to appear in patients with lumbar spondylolisthe?sis who have worse clinical symptoms.

The effect of the electroacupuncture therapy for low back pain of collegiate athletes / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

[Objective]The purpose of this study is to evaluate an effect of electroacupuncture therapy on low back pain of collegiate athletes. <BR>[Methods]Subjects were 28 collegiate athletes with low back pain who gave informed consent. They consulted a medical doctor beforehand. The electroacupuncture therapy was performed as acupuncture. The evaluation items were as follows:Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) which expresses the state of the pain (Pain-VAS), VAS which shows a training state (Training-VAS), five phases of evaluations to show a training state, pain at the time of the trunk movements, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ), and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score. The correlation of each item was estimated.<BR>[Results]The chief complaint of 27 people was low back pain, and one person had pain of the low back and the lower extremities. In the diagnosis, 16 people had non-specific low back pain, 5people had lumbar vertebrae discopathy, and 3had a lumber vertebrae herniated disk. As a result of acupuncture, the training-VAS and five phases of evaluations to show the training state and JOA score were significantly improved. However, as for the pain-VAS and pain at the time of trunk movements and RDQ, a significant difference was not accepted. <BR>[Conclusion]Training-VAS is useful for measuring the outcome of an athlete with low back pain. It is important that athletes with low back pain evaluate their training.

Feeding preference of adults of Metriona elatior Klug (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae) for different hybrids of Solanum melogena Linnaeus (Solanaceae) - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v30i4.5874 / Preferência alimentar de adultos de Metriona elatior Klug (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae) por diferentes híbridos de Solanum melogena Linnaeus (Solanaceae) - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v30i4.5874

Metriona elatior Klug is a potential biocontrol agent for Solanum viarum Dunal (tropical soda apple), because larvae and adults feed on its leaves and this species shows a low dispersion rate. Specificity plays a major role in the feasibility of an organism as a biological control agent, especially in the inundative strategy. The feeding preference of M. elatior adults was evaluated to 14 eggplant (Solanum melogena Linnaeus) hybrids. Mass rearing was carried out under lab conditions, with the insect feeding directly on S. viarum leaves. The study started with dual and multiple choice tests in 24 and 48 hour feeding times, by offering leaf disks in Petri dish conditions. Survival and leaf consumption analysis were performed in newly adults in tropical soda apple and eggplant leaves kept turgid by immersing the petioles in water. The leaf area was measured before and after four days of insect exposure. M. elatior showed higher feeding preference, survival and consumption of the weed species, especially in comparison with the hybrid Ryoma. The highest feeding preference among the eggplant hybrids was observed in Minikuro Kowishiki.

Metriona elatior Klug é potencial candidato para o controle biológico de Solanum viarum Dunal (joá-bravo), pois as larvas e adultos se alimentam de suas folhas e têm baixa taxa de dispersão. A especificidade é um forte requisito para a adequabilidade de um organismo como agente de controle biológico, especialmente pela estratégia inundativa. Desse modo, a preferência alimentar do adulto desse inseto em laboratório foi avaliada em 14 híbridos de Solanum melogena Linnaeus (berinjela). A criação estoque foi mantida em laboratório, com os indivíduos se alimentando de folhas do joá-bravo. O estudo foi realizado utilizando-se testes de dupla e múltipla escolha, em períodos de alimentação de 24 e 48h, oferecendo-se discos de tecido foliar, em condições de placas de Petri. As avaliações da sobrevivência e consumo foliar dos insetos adultos recém-emergidos foram realizadas em folhas de joá-bravo e dos híbridos de berinjela, mantidas túrgidas pela imersão do pecíolo em água. A área foliar foi medida antes e após quatro dias de exposição ao inseto. M. elatior apresentou preferência para alimentação, sobrevivência e consumo na planta daninha. A preferência do crisomelídeo foi maior para o híbrido Minikuro Kowishiki de berinjela.

Domelike decompression of the lumbar vertebral canal in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis / 中国矫形外科杂志

[Objective]To describe the clinical applycation of domelike decompression of the lumbar vertebral canal and evaluate the outcomes.To evaluate the effects on lumbar stability of domelike decompression through biomechanical canal study.[Method]Domelike decompress of the lumber vertebral canal were performed in 197 patients,with an average age of 52.7 and an average history of 6 years and 8 months,The surgicall outcomes were evaluated with modify Japanese Orthopedic Association Low Back Pain Score(M-JOA).Biomechanical study were performed on lumbar specimens from thirty fresh porcine model which were divided into three groups,Group A(n=10)was biomechanically tested after simulated laminectomy decompression,Group B(n=10)was biomechanically tested after simulated domelike decompression,Group C(n=10)was biomechanicaliy tested on intact,All were tested in flexion extension,torsion,and lateral bending and axial rotation moments as well as axial compressive loads.Load deflection curves were obtained each time,and stiffness values were calculated from the curves,Differences were checked for significance(P

Prognostic Factors Affecting the Results of the Surgery for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective study was designed to investigate and define the factors affecting the results of surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed in an attempt to investigate and define the factors affecting the results of surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. SUMMARY OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW: There have been few studies about the factors affecting the results of surgery for cervical myelopathy, including MEP (Motor evoked potential) studies and gait analysis, so we investigated the factors that affect the results of surgery for cervical myelopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 59 cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients who underwent operation from Nov. 1994 to Oct. 2002. We analyzed 13 prognostic factors: age, disease duration, the pre-op JOA score, the pre-op. AP canal diameter, the Pavlov ratio, disease level, the AP and lateral cord diameter, the transverse area and the compression ratio at the level of the maximal cord compression on MRI, the cord signal changes on MRI, the MEP(Motor evoked potential) and the gait analysis. The mean follow up period was 29 months. The clinical results were evaluated according to the JOA score. Statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson correlation test, ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: The mean pre-op JOA score was 11.1 and the post-op. JOA score was improved to 14.7. The average recovery rate was 67%. The following factors were proved to an influence on the surgical outcomes: age and multiplicity of involvement, and the signal changes of the cord on MRI showed a negative correlation with the recovery rate. The pre-op JOA score, the mean sagittal diameter and the transverse area of the spinal cord at the level of maximum compression showed a positive correlation with the recovery rate. Spasticity on the gait analysis and central conduction block on MEP had an influence on the surgical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The prognostic factors affecting the results of surgery for cervical myelopathy are age, the pre-op JOA score, the disease level, the mean sagittal diameter and the transverse area of the spinal cord at the level of maximum compression, signal change of the cord on MRI, spasticity on the gait analysis and central conduction block on MEP.

Prognostic Factors Affecting the Results of the Surgery for Cervical Myelopathy / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: This study was performed to investigate and define the factors affecting the results of surgery for a cervical myelopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-eight cervical myelopathy cases, who underwent surgery from Jan. 1991 to Sep. 2001, were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were composed of developmental stenosis in 9, spondylosis in 21, OPLL in 12, HIVD in 34 and trauma in 2 cases. The causes of the disease, age, onset, pre-op JOA score, pre-op and post-op spinal canal diameter, Pavlov ratio and cord diameter and signal changes of cord on MRI were examined. The mean follow-up period was two years. The clinical results were evaluated according to the JOA score. Statistical analysis was made using the Pearson correlation coefficient and the Kruskal-Wallis method. RESULTS: The mean pre-op and post-op JOA score were 11.2 and 14.8 respectively. The mean recovery rate was 68.0%. The preoperative JOA score showed a positive correlation with recovery rate, and age, sagittal diameter and transverse area of the cord on MRI correlated negatively with the recovery rate. The result was poorer the higher the level involved. Patients with signal changes in the cord on MRI had a poor outcome after surgery. CONCLUSION: The prognostic factors affecting the results of the surgery for cervical myelopathy were age, pre-op JOA score, disease level, and sagittal diameter, transverse area and the signal changes in the cord on MRI.

Relationships between Clinical Symptoms and Pressure Pain Thresholds in Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Knee Joints / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

Treatment of tender points has widely been used for diagnosis and treatment, but there are few studies elucidating the usefulness of this approach to diagnosing knee pain. This study investigated the diagnostic importance of tender points. The symptoms and the pressure pain threshold (PPT) in osteoarthritis of the knee (pain and motion of knee joint) were measured in 45 patients being treated at the Acupuncture Center of Meiji University of Oriental Medicine. The change in PPT was related to symptoms of knee pain (staircase and flexion pain). It is suggested that changes in PPT around the knee joints are a useful indicator for evaluating knee pain.

Relationships Between Pressure Pain Thresholds and Clinical Symptoms in Acupuncture and Moxibustion Therapy. A Case of Osteoarthritis of the Knee Joints / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

The tender points treatment has been widely used for both treatment and diagnosis, but there have been very few studies that have examined its diagnostic usefulness. Thus, the purpose of this study was to clarify the diagnostic importance of tender points. The subject was a patient who had osteoarthritis of the knee of Meiji University of Oriental Medicine Hospital. The relationship between pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and symptoms in osteoarthritis of the knee (painful knee motion) were evaluated with the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale (JOA scale), a knee scale and the subject's knee pain diary (starting pain, flexion pain, walking pain and total pain Wong-Baker faces pain rating scale). After 40 acupuncture treatments, improvement was noted in the symptoms and PPTs. The changes in PPTs were related to the symptoms of the knee (flexion and walking pain). This suggests that changes in PPTs (around the knee) are a useful indicator for evaluating knee pain.