OBJECTIVETo explore in vivo effects of Qizheng-xiaotong plaster on soft tissue injury in rabbit ears at different periods and to offer theoretical bases for clinical application.

METHODSThe experimental models of soft tissue injury in ears were produced in 10 New Zealand white rabbits, and the ears were divided into three groups at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd week. The normal group and treatment group were given the Qizheng-xiaotong plaster extract, and the model group with normal saline. Microscopic analysis, digital collection system, infrared temperature tester and thickness tester were applied to determine the changes of soft tissue injury in local microcirculation and the temperature change after 0, 0.5, 3 and 5 hours, and swelling change at 1 to 5 days respectively.

RESULTSAt the 3rd hour, blood velocity speeded up in normal group and model group, and it lasted for two hours in model group. As compared with model group, it slowed down to original level in treatment group at the 5th hour and the soft tissue swelling decreased from the 3rd to the 5th day as well.

CONCLUSIONThe application of Qizheng-xiaotong plaster is effective in preventing further soft tissue oedema and haematoma. It can make the soft tissue swelling decreased at chronic stage compared with that at acute stage.