• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.59-69
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• 2017

Objectives : This study analyzed the current status of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of miniscalpel acupuncture for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) in China. Methods : A literature search was performed using the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database. All studies up to June 7th, 2017 were searched. The quality of included RCTs was assessed with the Jadad scale. Results : Five RCTs were finally included in this review. The overall quality of the RCTs was assessed as low. All articles evaluated miniscalpel acupuncture as monotherapy or in combination with filiform needle therapy, drug injection therapy, Tuina treatment, thermal coagulation therapy, or spinal decompression. Miniscalpel acupuncture as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy showed greater therapeutic effect and fewer adverse effects. Conclusion : Miniscalpel acupuncture is a safe and effective nonpharmacological treatment for LSS. However, high-quality studies with consistent treatment protocols are needed to confirm these findings.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.125-130
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• 2018

This case report was conducted to introduce the use of miniscalpel-acupuncture for the treatment of hand osteoarthritis. A-76-year old female patient who had pain on both hands due to osteoarthritis was treated with miniscalpel-acupuncture for 7 weeks. The main outcome were the Numeral Rating Scale (NRS) and the grip strength by dynamometer. After miniscalpel-acupuncture treatment, NRS was decreased and the strength of grasp was increased. The result of this study suggests that the treatment of miniscalpel-acupuncture may be effectively used to decrease pain and increase grip strength of patients who suffer from hand osteoarthritis. Further research is necessary by the reason of the limited sample size of this study.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.67-73
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• 2016

Objectives : The objective of this study is to discuss problems and potential improvements of national health insurance fees associated with miniscalpel acupuncture according to Korean medical doctors' workload, material cost and degree of risk. Methods : We researched the change of relative value points, national health insurance fees, the acupuncture process, and Korean medicine doctors' workload related to Miniscalpel acupuncture, as compared to general meridian point acupuncture. We also examined material cost by surveying pharmacies, internet shopping malls and medical appliance shops. Results : Relative value point for Miniscalpel acupuncture decreased from 2010 to 2012, and remained the same from 2012 to 2016. National health insurance fees for Miniscalpel acupuncture increased by a small margin annually for rise of equivalent index. There was no reporting on workload related to Miniscalpel acupuncture. Material cost of Miniscalpel acupuncture was 18.2~20.7 times higher than actual cost of procedure. There were few studies examining medical accidents related to Miniscalpel acupuncture, and thus we could not evaluate degree of risk. Conclusion : We suggest revaluating Korean medical doctors' workload related to including Miniscalpel acupuncture, to consider the material costs of Miniscalpel acupuncture, and investigate its degree of risk by researching medical accidents.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.91-100
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• 2017

Objectives : We conducted a literature search to identify trends with respect to miniscalpel acupuncture points (MAPs) of the cervical region with the aim of providing guidance regarding miniscalpel acupuncture (MA) in the cervical region. Methods : We searched 2 overseas sites (PubMed and Google Scholar) and 5 domestic sites (NDSL, RISS, KISS, OASIS and Korean Traditional Knowledge Portal) for clinical trials of MA of the cervical region. The search terms used were "acupotomy or miniscalpel acupuncture or miniscalpel" and "cervical." Of 73 studies found, 11 were included in this review, 6 of which presented exact MAPs. Owing to the lack of data, we refer to 1 Korean and 4 Chinese articles to analyze the exact location and meaning of the MAPs used in the published studies and to propose other clinically applicable MAPs. Results : We identified 10 of the most commonly used MAPs in the published studies, including those located below the external occipital protuberance, 2-2.5 cm both side down of the external occipital protuberance, 4.5-5 cm both side down of the external occipital protuberance and C3-7 spinous process. Furthermore, we proposed 13 additional MAPs that can be used clinically. Conclusion : We hope that this study will form a basis for the development of MA and hope to improve the safety and reproducibility in future MA studies of the cervical region.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.161-168
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• 2016

Objectives : This study was done to show the clinical effect of miniscalpel acupuncture treatment on osteoarthritis of the knee which is refractory to acupuncture treatment. Methods : A patient was treated with acupuncture for three weeks, non-treated(wash out period) for two weeks, and treated with miniscalpel acupuncture for three weeks. The effect of treatments were measured with Visual Analogue Scale(VAS), Range of Motion(ROM), Short form McGill pain questionnaire(SF-MPQ), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC). Results : During the three weeks of acupuncture treatment, VAS, SF-MPQ and WOMAC improved, but after two weeks of the wash out period each score worsened. During the three weeks of miniscalpel acupuncture VAS, SF-MPQ, and WOMAC improved while ROM improved remarkably. Conclusion : These results suggest that miniscalpel acupuncture might be a therapeutic option for knee degenerative osteoarthritis patients who does not responded to acupuncture treatment.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.145-152
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• 2018

Post-stroke spasticity is a common complication that can be deleterious to the daily living function and quality of life of stroke survivor. This case report was conducted to introduce the use of miniscalpel-acupuncture as a novel method for the treatment of post-stroke spasticiy in three patients with chronic stroke. Patients received miniscalpel-acpuncuture treatment for 4~7 session. The flexor digitorum brevis, pronator teres, pronator quadratus, brachioradialis, tibialis posterior, gastrocnemius on the affected side were needled. The main outcome were the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) muscle spasticity score and the range of motion. The evaluation indices were measured after the initiation of treatment and after treatment. After miniscalpel-acupuncture session, three patients improved as indicated in the MAS grade and range of motion. This retrospective case report presents miniscalpel-acupuncture as a potentially effective approach in Korean medicine rehabilitation treatment of post-stroke spasticity. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.153-159
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• 2016

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to report the effect of Miniscalpel acupuncture therapy on a patient with traumatic tears of both meniscuses. Methods : We treated a patient with tears in both meniscuses stemming from a traffic injury. The clinical effects of this treatment are measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS), European Quality of Life - 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Results : After Miniscalpel acupuncture therapy, the VAS score of the left knee changed from 7 to 3, while the VAS score of the right knee changed from 7 to 2~3. WOMAC of both knees changed from 70 to 8. Night pain and day-to-day pain have disappeared, with only a slightly heavy feeling remaining. Conclusion : These results suggest that Miniscalpel acupuncture therapy may be effective for treating traumatic meniscus tear.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.161-166
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• 2018

This report describes the miniscalpel-acupuncture treatment of a 68-yr-old woman who had abnormal posture and involuntary dystonic movements of the head and neck. She suffered muscle contracture associated symptoms after she fell injured in 2014. Her neck had abnormal posture findings due to muscle tension. The spasms gradually worsened and did not respond to botulinum toxin injections. Involuntary dystonic movements may be due to peripheral post-traumatic cervical dystonia. Outcomes support cervical dystonia may be managed effectively with miniscalpel-acupuncture. Further research is recommended.

• Journal of TMJ Balancing Medicine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.26-31
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• 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to report the effect of Korean medical treatment with FCST and Miniscalpel-Acupuncture on patient with cervical dystonia. Methods: In this study, A patient with cervical dystonia was admitted to ◯◯ Korean medicine Hospital from Oct 20th, 2020 to Nov 28th, 2020. During the admission period, the patient was treated by Korean medical treatment (acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, herb medicine, etc.), especially using FCST and Miniscalpel-Acupuncture. The Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS), the Tsui score and CDIP (Cervical Dystonia Impact Profile)-58 were used for measuring the Cervical Dystonia. Results: After treatment for 40 days, the TWSTRS showed a decrease from 52.75 to 13.75, the Tsui score also decreased from 17 to 3 and the CDIP-58 score decreased from 64.1 to 25.5. Conclusions: These results showed that Korean medical treatment especially using FCST and Miniscalpel-Acupuncture may have an effect on reducing symptoms of cervical dystonia. But the further researches are needed.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.61-72
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• 2018

Objectives The authors propose a new checklist model adapted for safety miniscalpel acupuncture procedure of cervical and lumbar spine. Methods On the basis of available literature and expert opinion, a prototype checklist was developed. The checklist was adapted on the basis of observation of daily practice. Results The checklist has three parts: 1. prevention and management of healthcare associated infections, 2. verification list before and after miniscalpel acupuncture treatment, 3. adverse event monitoring after procedure. We presented a summary checklist based on the above contents. Conclusions We propose the first patient safety checklist for minicalpel acupuncture treatment of cervical and lumbar spine. The checklist will be complemented using further research methodologies.