Clinical Research For The Application Of The Stream Points From Spleen And Gallbladder Channel In The Treatment Of Osteoarthritis Of The Knees (KOA)

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture using local point and ashi points plus Spleen and Gallbladder meridian Stream points from Five transport points for the treatment of Osteoarthritis of the knees (KOA). The investigation pursue increase the recuperation of the knee, decrease the pain and rigidity, finally improve the physiological articular function.Method:Twenty five patients with Osteoarthritis of the knees (KOA) were randomly allocated to a treatment group of 13 cases and a control group of 12 cases. The treatment group received acupuncture in Neixiyan (EX-LE4), Dubi (ST35) and Ashi points in addition Spleen and Gallbladder meridian Stream points Taibai (SP3) and Zunlinqi (GB41) respectively; control group received acupuncture in Neixiyan (EX-LE4), Dubi (ST35) and Ashi points. The WOMAC score was counted and knee pain, stiffness and daily life activity were scored in the two groups before and after treatment. The clinical therapeutic effects were compared between the two groups and also the difference in 46-meter walking at the fastest speed between the treatment and control groups.Results:The total efficacy rate was 76.9% in the treatment group and 50% in the control group; the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was statistically significant post-treatment difference in daily life activities, pain and tenderness in the articulation between the two groups (P<0.05). There were statistically significant pre/post-treatment difference in the level of limitation in walking capacity, daily life activities and tenderness in the articulation (P<0.05). There wasn’t statistically significant in other parameters like inflammation, limited mobility and accumulation of intra-articular fluid. There were statistically significant pre/post-treatment difference in 46-meter walking at the fastest speed in the treatment (P<0.05). There was statistically significant post-treatment difference in 46-meter walking at the fastest speed improvement rate between the two groups (P<0.05).Conclusion:The use of Stream point of Spleen and Gallbladder Meridian could be effective to treat the pain in Osteoarthritis of the knees.