A Retrospective Chart Review of 122 Inpatients with Knee Osteoarthritis Treated with Korean Medicine: An Analysis of the Effects of Treatment

Yoo, Dong-Hwi,Park, Han-Bin,Jang, Won-Suk,Kwon, Oh-Bin,Choi, Ki-Won,Lee, Yu-Jin,Lee, Sang-Gun,Choi, Jae-Yong,Kim, Ho,Jang, Seon-Woo Korean AcupunctureMoxibustion Medicine Society 2021 대한침구의학회지 Vol.38 No.3

Background: Korean medicine treatment was assessed in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) according to subgroups of: sex, age, cause of knee OA, body mass index, hospitalization period, history, OA compartment, phenotype, and comorbidity. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 122 inpatients who were admitted to the Hospital of Korean Medicine for Korean medicine treatment of knee pain, and were diagnosed with knee OA based on magnetic resonance imaging findings. Analysis of patient subgroups (sex, age, cause of knee OA, body mass index, hospitalization period, history, OA compartment, phenotype, and comorbidity) was carried out and treatments including acupuncture, cupping, pharmacopuncture, herbal medicine, chuna therapy, medicinal steaming therapy, manual therapy, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy were listed. The numeric rating scale (NRS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and 5-level EuroQol- 5 Dimension (EQ-5D-5L) scores were measured before and after treatment to assess the effects of treatment on pain and quality of life. Results: Seventeen males and 105 females were included in this study. Most patients were in their 60s. In the total study population, NRS, WOMAC, and EQ-5D-5L scores were improved statistically significant when comparing before and after treatment. The NRS and WOMAC scores improved statistically significant in the medial, patellofemoral, medial + patellofemoral, medial + lateral + patellofemoral compartment. Conclusion: Korean medicine treatment significantly reduced pain, stiffness, and physical dysfunction, and improved the quality of life of patients with knee OA, suggesting that it may be an effective alternative to the current conservative treatments.

Leg Amputation due to Buerger's Disease: Management with Combined Korean Medicine

Won, Eun Sol,Lee, Hyun,Ryu, Hwa Yeon,Ku, Yong Ho,Jung, Ga Hyeon,Park, Chae Hyun,Kang, Jae Hui Korean AcupunctureMoxibustion Medicine Society 2021 대한침구의학회지 Vol.38 No.4

In this Case Report, a patient with Buerger's disease who had a leg amputation below his lower right knee and a vascular bypass of right leg, developed a wound caused by his prosthetic leg and subjective discomfort. The patient received skin flap surgery but the wound did not heal properly. He was admitted to the Korean Medicine Hospital where his wound, right leg coldness, and phantom pain were treated with combined Korean medicine. The patient was hospitalized again where he underwent micro-drilling surgery. The patient was re-admitted to the Korean Medicine Hospital where he received combined Korean medicine treatment (CKMT) and carbon arc light treatment (CALT) for his wound, leg coldness, stiffness, and hypoplasia. The temperature of his right leg increased, the numeric rating scale score for assessing pain fell from 5 to 1.5, and subjective discomfort was reduced (< 20%) suggesting this may be an effective treatment.

A Case Report on the Use of Korean Medicine Treatment for a Patient with Dysarthria Caused by Progressive Bulbar Palsy (PBP)

Ahn, Jae Hyun,Kim, Sung Yoon,Park, Jun Hyeong,Cho, Jeongjae,Choi, Do Young,Lee, Seung Hoon,Lee, Jae Dong Korean AcupunctureMoxibustion Medicine Society 2017 대한침구의학회지 Vol.26 No.4

Objectives : To introduce a rare case of a patient with Progressive Bulbar Palsy (PBP) and suggest the possibility of treatment using electroacupuncture and Korean Medicine. Methods : A 61-year-old man with PBP, complaining of dysarthria, was treated with electroacupuncture and Korean Medicine, from June 16 to July 10, 2015. Improvements in symptoms were measured using the speech mechanism screening test (SMST), measurement of tongue and orbicularis oris motility, and speech handicap index (SHI). Results : The scores of SMST, motility of tongue and orbicularis oris showed a tendency for gradual improvement with 25 days of Korean Medicine Treatment after admission, but conversation was still impossible. In SHI scores, one point increased in the speech domain and one point decreased in the psycho-social domain, and three points increased in the other domain. Conclusion : Electroacupuncture and Korean Medicine Treatment improved dysarthria caused by PBP, but not completely. Korean Medicine Treatment seems effective in the management of accompanying symptoms such as black hairy tongue, dry mouth, and general condition. The symptoms of PBP are similar to those of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and there is controversy regarding the classification of PBP. The most important aspect of treating a patient with PBP is an early diagnosis and devising appropriate rehabilitation strategies.

A Cross-Sectional Satisfaction Survey of 845 Traffic Accident Patients Treated with Korean Medicine

Kim, No H.,Lee, Yoon J.,Suh, Chang Y.,Lee, Gi B.,Yang, Kyu J.,Kim, Tae-Gyu,Gi, Yu-Mi,Kwon, Mijung,Ha, In-Hyuk Korean AcupunctureMoxibustion Medicine Society 2018 대한침구의학회지 Vol.35 No.2

Background: We conducted a cross-sectional study to analyze the pain characteristics and satisfaction scores in traffic accident (TA) patients seeking Korean medicine treatment. Methods: A survey was conducted in 845 outpatients who visited 10 Korean medicine institutions due to TA-associated symptoms from February 25th, 2016 to March 9th, 2016. The questionnaire included information about patient sociodemographic characteristics, accident circumstance details, pain levels, treatment methods, satisfaction and pre-existing musculoskeletal disorders. All statistical analyses were performed using STATA 14.0. Results: A total 754 of the 845 respondents had experienced acute pain of onset within 1-2 days. Pain in the neck or low back was most common, and low back pain (LBP) was more prevalent in pedestrian-vehicle accident cases. Patients showed highest satisfaction with pharmacopuncture treatment, followed by acupuncture and Chuna manual therapy. Although treatments were not completed at the time of the survey, the majority of patients were satisfied with the Korean medicine treatments they received and indicated their intent to reuse this treatment in the future. The degree of pain reduction after treatment was a factor that influenced patient satisfaction with and intention to reuse Korean medicine. Conclusion: This study determined the characteristics and status of TA patients using Korean medicine and suggests the need for further more inclusive studies.

A Review of the Clinical Use of Ultrasound in Korean Traditional Medicine

Kim, Seok Hee,Yook, Tae Han,Song, Beom Yong,Choi, Yoo Min,Shin, Jin Hyeon,Shin, Hye Jeong,Lee, Sanghun,Jeon, Young Ju,Kim, Jong Uk Korean AcupunctureMoxibustion Medicine Society 2019 대한침구의학회지 Vol.12 No.1

This study was performed to evaluate research studies utilizing ultrasound diagnostic units, the practitioners who performed the ultrasound assessments, and how they had been used primarily in tandem with the Korean Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System. This study identified 46 studies following a literature search, and discovered that a Korean medicine doctor led the ultrasonography in 13 studies, a medical technician was responsible in 6 studies, a roentgenologist carried it out in 5, and 19 of the studies did not specify who had conducted it. Ultrasonography had been actively used in the course of the clinical practice of Korean medicine, and it may serve as a useful and reliable diagnostic tool for evaluating the effectiveness of Korean medicine. The results of this study will help to promote more ultrasound studies in the future.

A Case Report of a Stroke Patient with Dysarthria Treated with Korean Medicine

Baek, Ji Young,Park, Yeo Bin,Song, Ho-Joon,Baek, Ji Won,Kong, Won Ho,Kim, Shin-Young,Ahn, Chang-beom Korean AcupunctureMoxibustion Medicine Society 2018 Korean Journal of Acupuncture Vol.35 No.3

This case study examined the effect of Korean Medicine on a 72-year old male with a habitual history of smoking and drinking, and a family history of hypertension who had suffered an acute stroke. A couple of months later he complained of upper extremity weakness and was diagnosed with dysarthria. The patient received Korean Medicine treatment of acupuncture and herbal medicine for 39 days at the Samse Oriental Hospital, in conjunction with physiotherapy and Western medicine. Articulation accuracy, vowel accuracy, alternation and speed of reading sentences were evaluated every 7days. The results showed that the patient had improvement of articulation (10%) and vowel (37%) accuracy, alternation (12%) and speed of reading sentences (28%) suggesting that Korean Medicine treatment contributed to this progress.

A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials of Pes Anserinus Tendinitis/Bursitis Syndrome in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database

Choi, Hyo Jung,Back, Hye Kyung,Kim, Young-Jun,Oh, Da Yoon,Park, Cheol Woo,Namgoong, Jin Korean AcupunctureMoxibustion Medicine Society 2021 대한침구의학회지 Vol.38 No.4

The purpose of this study was to review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of pes anserinus tendinitis or bursitis (PATB) syndrome in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database to investigate the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine treatment for PATB syndrome. There were 20 RCTs published from 2001 to 2021 which were selected for analysis by publication year, number of samples, evaluation criteria, treatment duration, and treatment method. Out of the 142 retrieved RCTs, 20 were relevant to this review, and had performed Chinese medicine treatments including acupuncture (the most common treatment typically using acupoints SP10, ST35, SP9, and LR8), manipulation (typically using acupoints ST35, SP10, and SP9), and external application therapy (typically herbal medicine) in the treatment of PATB syndrome. Chinese medicine treatments were used widely in the treatment of PATB syndrome. We hope in the future, this review may initiate the development of treatments for PATB syndrome using Korean medicine.

Effects of Traditional Korean Medicine Treatment On Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and Assessing Improvement by Radiological Criteria: An Observational Study

Kim, Hyun-Joong,Lee, Sun-Ho,Choi, Ji-Hoon,Noh, Je-Heon,Kim, Min-Young,Jang, Jae-Won,Ha, Do-Hyung Korean AcupunctureMoxibustion Medicine Society 2017 Korean Journal of Acupuncture Vol.34 No.4

Background: This study was designed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of traditional Korean medicine treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis as assessed by radiological criteria. Methods: This was an observational study of 122 patients who were diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis and admitted to Jaseng Hospital between January 2016 and June 2017. They were analyzed according to sex, age, cause of disease, disease stage, length of admission, type of stenosis, morphological grade, and dural sac cross-sectional area. All patients were treated with traditional Korean medicine. Patients were assessed with the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and EQ-5D before and after treatment. Results: Regarding the distribution of the factors analyzed, these were of note: more females than males (1:3.52); and highest proportions were age more than 70 years (37.70%), cause of lumbar spinal stenosis unknown (67.21%), and subacute stage (42.62%). Comparing before and after treatment, the NRS score for low back and pelvic pain decreased from $6.14{\pm}1.71$ to $4.28{\pm}1.91$ (p < 0.001), and the NRS score for radiating pain and numbness decreased from $6.27{\pm}1.61$ to $2.02{\pm}1.54$ (p < 0.001). ODI decreased from $46.86{\pm}19.40$ to $33.63{\pm}18.66$ (p < 0.001), and gait-related ODI decreased from $3.34{\pm}1.23$ to $2.80{\pm}1.11$ (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in improvement of the NRS, ODI, gait-related ODI, and EQ-5D for morphological grade and dural sac cross-sectional area. Conclusion: Traditional Korean medicine is effective treatment for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Even in patients with severe radiological findings, it is possible to reduce pain and improve quality of life.

The Effects of Korean Medicine Treatment on Posterior Cruciate Ligament Avulsion Fracture: A Case Report

Park, Ji Won,Yoon, Tae Kyung,Shin, Won Bin,Kim, Doo Ri,Ryu, Won Hyung,Jeon, Yong Hyun,Moon, Hee Young Korean AcupunctureMoxibustion Medicine Society 2018 Korean Journal of Acupuncture Vol.35 No.3

The purpose of this case study was to use Korean medicine to treat posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fracture. The patient suffered left knee pain resulting from an avulsion fracture and was hospitalized for 59 days and treated with acupuncture and traditional Korean medicine. The effect of the treatment was evaluated using the Numerical Rate Scale, the Western Ontario and McMaster universities Osteoarthritis Index, and the European Quality of Life Five Dimensions. Following treatment of the pain in the left knee, scores for Numerical Rate Scale, Western Ontario and McMaster universities Osteoarthritis Index, and European Quality of Life Five Dimensions were improved. This study suggested that Korean Medicine could be an effective treatment for posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures. Further studies are needed to substantiate this conclusion.

Effects of Muscle Energy Technique of Upper Trapezius and Sternocleidomastoid Muscles on Bell's Palsy

Park, Jong-Hyeon,Lee, Yoon-Joo,Ryu, Hye-Min,Lee, Seung-Jeong,Park, Eun-Jin,Song, Choon-Ho,Kim, Cheol-Hong,Yoon, Hyun-Min Korean AcupunctureMoxibustion Medicine Society 2017 Korean Journal of Acupuncture Vol.34 No.4

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of muscle energy techniques (MET) of upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles on Bell's palsy. Methods: In this retrospective study, we screened the medical records of patients with Bell's palsy who had received inpatient and outpatient treatment at the Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Korean Medicine Hospital Dong-Eui University between November 28, 2016 and April 30, 2017. A total of 34 out of 93 Bell's palsy patients met the inclusion criteria. The 34 patients were divided into two groups: Group A patients had undergone Korean-Western combination treatment and MET of upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles; Group B patients had undergone Korean-Western combination treatment only. MET of upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles had been performed three times a week during the inpatient period, and two to three times a week during the outpatient period. Yanagihara scores had been assessed at the first visit, and 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after the first visit. Results: Group A Yanagihara scores were significantly improved during each interval from the first visit to 4 weeks later. Group B Yanagihara scores were also significantly improved except during the first week. During every period, the improvements observed in Yanagihara score were significantly higher in Group A than in Group B. Conclusion: These results suggest that MET of upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles may be effective treatment for Bell's palsy.