Fu's Subcutaneous Needling Therapy Combined with Intra-Articular Injection of Hyaluronic Acid in Knee Osteoarthritis

Objective This study investigated the effects of Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN) combined with sodium hyaluronate (HA) intra-articular injection on knee function and inflammatory factor levels in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Materials and Methods A total of 122 patients with KOA were randomly assigned to an observation group (OG) or control group (CG). Outcomes included Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), serum inflammatory cytokines, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale (LKSS), visual analogue scale (VAS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), overall response rate, and adverse events (AEs). Results At 2 months after treatment, WOMAC pain, stiffness, function, and total scores decreased significantly in both groups, with greater reductions in the OG than in the CG (all P < 0.05). Serum interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels also decreased significantly, with greater reductions in the OG (all P < 0.05). LKSS and KOOS scores increased significantly in both groups and were higher in the OG, whereas VAS scores decreased significantly and showed a greater reduction in the OG (all P < 0.05). The overall response rate was higher in the OG than in the CG (96.72% vs. 85.25%, P < 0.05). AE incidence was numerically lower in the OG, but the between-group difference was not significant ( P > 0.05). Conclusion FSN combined with intra-articular HA injection produced greater improvements in knee function, pain, and inflammatory responses than floating needling alone and may be a valuable adjunctive treatment for KOA.