Efficacy of catgut-embedding therapy at"five neck points"on cervical spondylotic arteriopathy and effects on hemodynamics:A randomized clinical trial

Objective:To observe the effect of catgut-embedding therapy at five neck points in the treatment of cervical spondylotic arteriopathy(CSA)and analyze its effects on the hemodynamics of patients with CSA.Methods:Using the computer randomization method,72 patients with CSA were divided into a catgutembedding therapy group(n=36,none dropped out)and a western medication group(n=36,none dropped out).In the catgut-embedding therapy group,the therapy was applied to five neck points,i.e.bilateral Jǐngjiājǐ(颈夹脊)at C5,bilateral Jǐngjiājǐ(颈夹脊)at C6,and Dàzhuī(大椎GV14)once a week.One3-week treatment session was required.In the western medication group,flunarizine hydrochloride 5 mg capsules were administered orally once daily for 3 weeks.Efficacy was assessed before and after 3 weeks treatment using a functional evaluation scale for cervical spondylotic arteriopathy(FS-CSA).Changes in vertebral-basilar arterial hemodynamics,serum nitric oxide(NO)level,and plasma endothelin(ET)level were detected.Results:Efficacy was assessed when the treatment session was completed.The total efficacy rate was significantly higher in the catgut-embedding therapy group(86.1%)than in the western medication group(61.1%;P<0.01).The after treatment FS-CSA score was reduced compared with baseline score in both groups(P<0.05),and the reduction in the catgut-embedding therapy group was superior to that in the Western medication group(P<0.05).Compared with baseline,the flow velocity and pulsatility index of the bilateral vertebral and basilar arteries increased at each period in both groups(P<0.05)except for the left systolic velocity of the vertebral artery after treatment.The increase in the catgut-embedding therapy group was greater than that in the western medication group(P<0.05).After treatment,the serum NO concentration was increased and the plasma ET concentration was reduced compared to baseline in both groups(P<0.05),while the improvements in the catgut-embedding therapy group were superior to those in the western medication group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The clinical efficacy in the catgut-embedding therapy group was superior to that in the western medication group.Catgut-embedding therapy at five neck points may effectively improve psychological and functional conditions,promote vertebral basilar arterial supply,and relieve clinical symptoms in patients with CSA.