Journal of Acupuncture Research

Korean Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine Society (대한침구의학회)
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A Feasibility Study of Acupuncture for Chronic Pain in Patients with Osteoporotic Thoracolumbar Compression Fracture: A Prospective Case Series

  • Bae, Ji min (Department xxxx, Pusan National University) ;
  • Choi, Ji won (Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, Pusan National University Korean Medicine Hospital) ;
  • Kim, Dae hun (Goldtop Korean Medical Clinic) ;
  • Yang, Gi Young (Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University) ;
  • Kim, Kun hyung (Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University)
  • Received : 2018.02.01
  • Accepted : 2018.03.27
  • Published : 2018.05.30
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Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of conducting a clinical study of using acupuncture for chronic pain in patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) in the outpatient setting. Methods: A prospective case-series attempting to recruit 20 participants was performed from February 11, 2016, to December 31, 2016. We provided Manual and electrical acupuncture was provided one 1 to three 3 times a week, for 6 weeks, up to 18 sessions. The primary clinical outcome was the average pain intensity as measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) at 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes included back-specific dysfunction (Oswestry disability index), quality of life (quality of life questionnaire-26), patient-reported improvement, use of other healthcare resources, and adverse events at 6 weeks. Use of healthcare resources and adverse events were additionally followed-up at 12 weeks by telephone. Results: Of 33 patients screened, a total of 7 were enrolled in the study. Manual and electrical acupuncture was provided 1 to 3 times a week, for 6 weeks, up to 18 sessions. We observed reduced pain intensity at 6 weeks in all participants. The change in the quality of life and back-specific dysfunction was inconsistent among participants. Mild, temporary adverse events were observed in three patients. Conclusion: In our clinical setting, it was not feasible to recruit sufficient participants and to assess the efficacy of acupuncture for chronic pain after osteoporotic thoracolumbar VCFs under a year. Strategies to improve recruitment and to identify barriers to participation are required for future clinical trials.

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References

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