J Rehabil Med. 2002 Sep; 34(5): 231-8.

Sensory stimulation (acupuncture) for the treatment of idiopathic anterior knee pain.

Näslund J, Näslund UB, Odenbring S, Lundeberg T.

Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. j.naslund@mailbox.calypso.net

A randomized controlled study was conducted to evaluate the effect of acupuncture treatment in idiopathic anterior knee pain, a pain syndrome without known aetiology. Fifty-eight patients, clinically and radiologically examined, were randomly assigned to either deep or minimal superficial acupuncture treatment. The patients were treated twice weekly for a total of 15 treatments. The main outcome measurements were one leg vertical jump, functional score, daily VAS recording and skin temperature. Fifty-seven patients completed the study. Pain measurements on VAS decreased significantly within both groups; in the deep acupuncture group from 25 before treatments to 10 afterwards, and in the superficial (placebo) acupuncture group from 30 to 10. There was no significant difference between the groups. The improvement on the VAS recordings remained significant even after 3 and 6 months. Even though the pain decreased after sensory stimulation, neither the ability to jump on one leg, the functional score nor the skin temperature changed. This study shows that patients with idiopathic anterior knee pain benefit from both electroacupuncture treatment and subcutaneous needling. The pain-relieving effect remains for at least 6 months. Central pain inhibition, caused by either afferent stimulation or by non-specific therapeutic (placebo) effects, is a plausible explanation behind the treatment effects.