Adding implanted absorbable thread stimulation at acupuncture points to standard care may improve knee osteoarthritis pain and function more than standard care or sham treatment.
Researchers systematically searched international medical databases and clinical trial registries for randomized controlled trials comparing implanted absorbable thread stimulation at acupuncture points, alone or alongside conventional care, with conventional care, sham procedures, or other comparators for knee osteoarthritis. They combined study findings on pain, physical function, overall treatment response, knee function, and adverse effects, while assessing study bias and the certainty of the evidence.
Across the included trials, combining implanted absorbable thread stimulation with conventional treatment generally produced better pain relief, functional outcomes, and overall response than conventional treatment alone. It also appeared more beneficial than sham implanted-thread procedures when added to conventional care. However, unclear risk of bias and weak underlying evidence limit confidence in these apparent benefits.
