A systematic review and meta-analysis of acupuncture for De Quervain's tenosynovitis treatment.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in treating De Quervain's tenosynovitis (DQt) by comparing it to topical analgesics, corticosteroid injections, and a waiting list group.
Results Summary
Acupuncture showed significant improvement in treatment effectiveness and pain reduction compared to topical analgesics, but no significant difference compared to corticosteroid injections. The study noted limitations in the quantity and quality of included research.
Population
851 patients with De Quervain's tenosynovitis (DQt).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
acupuncture | increase | treatment effectiveness | 851 patients | RR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.11, 1.39, P = 0.0002 | demonstrated a significant increase | #1 |
acupuncture | decrease | VAS pain scores | 851 patients | MD = -1.06; 95% CI = -1.51, -0.61, P < 0.00001 | notable reduction | #2 |
acupuncture | no change | conney wrist joint scores | 851 patients | - | no statistically significant difference was observed | #3 |
acupuncture | decrease | VAS pain scores | - | - | reduce | #4 |
acupuncture | no change | VAS | - | - | did not show statistical significance | #5 |
acupuncture | no change | effectiveness rate | - | - | did not show statistical significance | #6 |
acupuncture | no change | conney wrist scores | - | - | did not show statistical significance | #7 |
acupuncture | decrease | pain associated with DQt | - | - | exhibited a promising trend in alleviating | #8 |
acupuncture | increase | treatment effectiveness | - | - | enhancing | #9 |
BACKGROUND: De Quervain's tenosynovitis (DQt) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory musculoskeletal disorder predominantly affecting the radial aspect of the wrist. This study conducted a comprehensive review of the efficacy of acupuncture in treating De Quervain's tenosynovitis (DQt). Although there is evidence suggesting that acupuncture can alleviate symptoms of DQt-characterized by pain, swelling, and functional impairment-higher-level evidence is still required to further substantiate its efficacy and safety. This study conducted a comprehensive review of the efficacy of acupuncture in treating De Quervain's tenosynovitis (DQt). METHODS: By systematically searching databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar, EMbase, PEDro, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), Wanfang Database, and Chongqing VIP China Science, Technology Journal Database (VIP), we retrieved randomized controlled trial (RCT) literature on acupuncture for DQt, with the search period extending to November 1, 2023. After extracting and assessing data from the included literature, we performed Meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4.1 software. RESULTS: The results encompassed 14 RCT papers, involving 851 patients. The Meta-analysis findings indicated that, when compared to topical analgesics, acupuncture demonstrated a significant increase in treatment effectiveness (RR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.11, 1.39, P = 0.0002) and a notable reduction in VAS pain scores (MD = -1.06; 95% CI = -1.51, -0.61, P < 0.00001). However, no statistically significant difference was observed in conney wrist joint scores. Furthermore, acupuncture was found to reduce VAS pain scores compared to the waiting list group. In comparison to corticosteroid injections (CSI), acupuncture did not show statistical significance in VAS, effectiveness rate, and conney wrist scores. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture exhibited a promising trend in alleviating pain associated with DQt and enhancing treatment effectiveness. Nonetheless, due to limitations in the quantity and quality of the included studies, these findings warrant further validation through additional research.