Acupoint catgut embedding for the treatment of sciatica: A protocol for a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pain Management
• Complementary Medicine

Background:

• Sciatica is a prevalent neuropathic pain condition causing significant life burden.
• Acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) is increasingly used for sciatica in China.
• Evidence for the efficacy and safety of ACE in sciatica treatment is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically evaluate the efficiency and safety of acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) for sciatica.
• To provide an evidence-based review of ACE therapy for sciatica.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search of multiple databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI, etc.) up to November 2020.
• Primary outcomes include pain intensity and overall treatment efficiency.
• Secondary outcomes encompass Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), quality of life, physical examination, and adverse events. Meta-analysis will be performed using RevMan 5.3.

Main Results:

• This systematic review will synthesize evidence on ACE therapy for sciatica.
• Outcomes assessed include pain reduction, overall treatment effectiveness, functional improvement (ODI), quality of life, and safety (adverse events).

Conclusions:

• This systematic review will present current evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of acupoint catgut embedding for sciatica.
• Findings will inform clinical practice and future research on ACE therapy for neuropathic pain.