Acupotomy for Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head: Recent Trends in Randomized Controlled Trials

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate domestic and international randomized controlled trials (RCTs) trends on acupotomy treatment for avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head.Methods : RCTs published up to September 2024 were selected from domestic and international databases. The studies included were reviewed for participant characteristics, intervention methods, clinical outcomes, and adverse effects. A total of 25 RCTs involving 2,006 participants were analyzed.Results : Treatment duration ranged from 2 weeks to 6 months, with most patients receiving weekly acupotomy sessions. The hip joint adductor muscles and joint capsule were the most frequently targeted areas. The results indicated that patients who received acupotomy treatment showed significant improvements in clinical indicators, such as the Harris Hip Score, Visual Analogue Scale, and overall clinical efficacy, compared to those in the control groups (p < 0.05). Adverse effects were minimal or not reported.Conclusions : The results suggest that acupotomy is an effective treatment for AVN of the femoral head. However, further large-scale studies with long-term follow-ups are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.