[Observation on the therapeutic effect of warming needle moxibustion on knee osteoarthritis].

OBJECTIVE

To compare clinical therapeutic effects of warming needle moxibustion and acupuncture plus TDP radiation on knee osteoarthritis.

METHODS

Eighty cases conforming with the diagnostic criteria for knee osteoarthritis were randomly divided into a warming needle moxibustion group and an acupuncture plus TDP radiation group. In the two groups, Dubi (ST 35), Xiyan (EX-LE), Yanglingquan (GB 34),etc. were selected and the treatment was given once every other day, 10 sessions constituting one course. After treatment of 2 courses, their therapeutic effects were compared.

RESULTS

The clinically basic recovery rate was 30.0% in the warming needle moxibustion group and 10.0% in the acupuncture plus TDP radiation group, with a very significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Warming needle moxibustion is an effective therapy for knee osteoarthritis.