Status and prospects of acupotomy tool specifications and standardization

Acupotomy therapy, a minimally invasive technique for soft-tissue release, relies critically on the precise selection and standardized application of instrument specifications. Substantial variability exists in current clinical practice, including differences in tip geometry, instrument length, materials, and multifunctional structural designs. Appropriate selection of instrument specifications is essential not only for enhancing therapeutic efficacy but also for minimizing procedural risks. This review synthesizes recent advances in mechanistic research and clinical applications of acupotomy, with particular emphasis on how optimization of key instrument parameters, such as tip configuration, material innovation, and integrated functional design, affects both efficacy and safety. Furthermore, we discuss emerging directions in acupotomy device development, including refined structural engineering, advanced biomaterials, visualization-assisted procedures, and intelligent modulation technologies. Finally, we highlight the urgent need to establish unified specification frameworks and evidence-based operational standards to promote standardization, reproducibility, and the broader clinical adoption of acupotomy therapy.