OBJECTIVETo evaluate and analyze mechanism of Pizhen for the treatment of pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

METHODSEighty-five patients (85 knees) were divided into two groups according to random number table method. Among 35 patients in the experimental group, 6 patients were male and 29 patients were female, 1 patient lost follow-up, the average age was (56.65 +/- 4.89) years, and the patients were treated with Pizhen. Among 50 patients in the control group,there were 6 males and 44 females, the average age was (57.54 +/- 4.91) years, and the patients were treated with intra-articular injection with sodium hyaluronate. The VAS score and the data of algometer from the most obvious tenderness around the knee were used to evaluate the clinical effects.

RESULTSThere were significant differences of scores in the experimental group before and after treatment (P<0.01). There were significant differences of scores in the control group before and after treatment (P<0.01). After treatment, there were no statistical differences of VAS score and the data of algometer between experimental and control groups ( P>0.01). There was negative correlation between VAS score and the data of algometer.

CONCLUSIONThe Pizhen is an effective method to treat pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis by relaxing tendon of soft tissue around pain point of knee joint, and relaxing compress and stimulation of nerves.