Acupuncture for de Quervain's tenosynovitis: A randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Pain Management
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• De Quervain's tenosynovitis (DQt) is a common condition affecting the thumb side of the wrist.
• Acupuncture is explored as an alternative treatment, but robust clinical evidence is limited.
• This study addresses the need for evidence on acupuncture's efficacy in DQt management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in alleviating pain and improving functional outcomes for patients diagnosed with de Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• To compare acupuncture treatment against a waitlist control group.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 68 DQt patients.
• Participants were allocated to either an acupuncture group (34 patients) or a waitlist control group (34 patients).
• The acupuncture group received 5 sessions over 2 weeks, with outcomes assessed at weeks 2 and 6, and a 10-week follow-up.

Main Results:

• Acupuncture significantly reduced pain intensity (mean VAS decrease of 19.5 points vs. 3.4 points in waitlist, p=0.003) at 2 weeks.
• Improvements in grip strength, pinch strength, and quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Q-DASH) scores were observed.
• Acupuncture's pain relief effects were sustained for 10 weeks, with no serious adverse events reported.

Conclusions:

• Acupuncture is a safe and effective short-term treatment for de Quervain's tenosynovitis, significantly reducing pain.
• The treatment also leads to improvements in hand strength and functional disability.
• Evidence suggests acupuncture offers lasting benefits for DQt patients.