OBJECTIVETo compare the effects on joint dysfunction after meniscal suture surgery between rehabilitation training combined with modified-acupuncture and simple rehabilitation training.

METHODSSeventy-one patients with meniscal suture surgery were randomized into an observation group (=36) and a control group (=35). Patients in the observation group received modified-acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training. Acupuncture for 8 weeks were at Zutonggu (BL 65), Shugu (BL 66), Neiting (ST 44), Xiangu (ST 43), Xiaxi (GB 43), Zulinqi (GB 41), Dadu (SP 2), Taibai (SP 3), Xingjian (LR 2), and Taichong (LR 3), once a day for continuous 6 days with 1 day for rest. Patients in the control group received simple rehabilitation training for continuous 8 weeks. The training included quadriceps femoris, range of knee joint motion and motion and limb walking on the affected side. The effect score for meniscus injury after treatment from Japanese Orthopaedics Association (JOA) and visual analogue scale (VAS) score were recorded before and after treatment. The effects were compared in the two groups.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the VAS and JOA scores were improved in the two groups (all<0.05), with better results in the observation group (both<0.05). The effective rate was 91.7% (33/36) in the observation group, which was better than 80.0% (28/35) in the control group (<0.05).

CONCLUSIONRehabilitation training combined with-acupuncture achieve better effect than simple rehabilitation training for joint dysfunction after meniscal suture surgery.