Effect of acupuncture treatment on clinical outcomes for cervical disc herniation after minimally invasive surgery: a comparative study

Abstract

Purpose: Although percutaneous minimally invasive techniques have been gradually applied to the surgical treatment of cervical disc herniation (CDH), some patients still experience adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of acupuncture treatment for CDH patients after minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with CDH admitted to our department between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2020. Visual analog scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), and the modified MacNab criteria were used to assess pain, function, and clinical outcomes, respectively. Characteristics between patients with acupuncture treatment and those without acupuncture treatment were compared. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the effect of acupuncture treatment on clinical outcomes. Results: 211 patients were incorporated in the cohort with 102 (48.3%) receiving acupuncture treatment. Patients with acupuncture had a lower postoperative VAS and NDI at one month, six months, and one year (all P < 0.001) after surgery. In addition, acupuncture treatment was associated with lower modified MacNab criteria score at six months and one year (both P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that acupuncture (P < 0.001, OR 9.282, 95% CI 3.469-24.836) was an independent factor for good outcomes at one year. Conclusions: Acupuncture treatment had beneficial effects on relieving pain and improving function in CDH patients after MIS, and was a significant and independent factor for good outcomes at one year after surgery. Acupuncture could be an effective adjunct therapy for CDH patients after MIS.