RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To observe the curative effect of high-frequency electric sparkle and point-injection therapy (HESPT) on knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: Two hundred and five patients were randomly divided into a warming needle moxibustion group (68 cases), a HESPT group (68 cases) and a point-injection group (69 cases). In the warming needle moxibustion group, the main points of Xuehai (SP 10), Neixiyan (EX-LE4), Waixiyan (EX-LE), Dubi (ST 35), Zusanli (ST 36) and Yanglingquan (GB 34), and the adjunct points of Yinlingquan (SP 9) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6), on the affected side, were chosen for stimulation. In the HESPT group, tenderness points, the main points of Liangqiu (ST 34), Xuehai (SP 10), Neixiyan (EX-LE4), Waixiyan (EX-LE5) and Zusanli (ST 36), and the adjunct points of Yinlingquan (SP 9), Weizhong (BL 40) and Chengshan (BL 57), were chosen. After proper manipulation, Corydalis decumbens Pers. liquid was injected into the points and a high-frequency electric sparkle was applied to stimulate the needles for 30 seconds. In the point-injection group, point injection was performed with the same method, but the patients did not receive electric stimulation. The Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the Lysholm Knee Score Scale (LKSS) and the ROM (Range of Motion) scale were used to evaluate the severity of KOA and the function of knee joints before treatment and 4 weeks after treatment. Finally, the Nimodipine method was used to assess the total curative effect. RESULTS: After HESPT treatment, the scores for pain, morning stiffness and swelling were significantly lower (P < 0.01) and LKSS index and ROM were much higher (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 respectively) compared to the two other groups. The obviously effective rate and total effective rate were also significantly higher in the HESPT group than in the two other groups (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: HESPT can improve joint function in KOA patients, and the curative effect is better than for warming needle moxibustion or point-injection only.