Clinical observation of auricular acupoint therapy for pain in early-stage extremity trauma

Objective

To observe the efficacy of auricular acupoint sticking based on conventional treatment in treating pain in early-stage extremity trauma.

Methods

A hundred eligible patients with acute soft tissue injury or acute closed fracture were randomized into an observation group and a control group by their admission sequence, 50 cases in each group. The two groups both received routine management including routine checking, external fixing, traction, raising up the affected limb, etc., as well as cold compress with Chinese medication (Xiao Zhong Zhi Tong Powder). In addition to the routine management, the control group was given oral administration of amidopyrine and phenacetin compound tablet, 1 tablet per dose, twice a day, which was then taken only when necessary or terminated after pain subsided. The observation group was given auricular acupoint sticking in addition to the routine management. The two groups were compared in terms of numerical rating scale (NRS) score, therapeutic efficacy and adverse reactions after pain was relieved.

Results

After the intervention, the NRS scores dropped significantly in both groups (P<0.01); the NRS score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was superior to that in the control group (P<0.05). There were no severe adverse reactions in the two groups.

Conclusion

Based on routine management, auricular acupoint sticking can produce a more significant efficacy in treating pain in early-stage extremity trauma compared to amidopyrine and phenacetin compound tablet; it can effectively reduce pain of the affected limb and prevent complications; it’s easy-to-operate and safe; patients can learn and understand it easily; its efficacy is confirmed; it enhances the satisfaction degree of the inpatients. Therefore, this method is worth promoting in clinic.