Measuring the Thickness of the Abdominal Wall at Abdominal Acupoints Using Ultrasonography and Analyzing Correlations with Physical Examination Values in Functional Dyspepsia Patients

Abstract

Objective. To explore the existing scientific information regarding safe needling depth of acupuncture points and the needling depth of clinical efficacy. Methods. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Allied and Complementary Medicine (AMED), The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases to identify relevant monographs and related references from 1991 to 2013. Chinese journals and theses/dissertations were hand searched. Results. 47 studies were recruited and divided into 6 groups by measuring tools, that is, MRI, in vivo evaluation, CT, ultrasound, dissected specimen of cadavers, and another group with clinical efficacy. Each research was analyzed for study design, definition of safe depth, and factors that would affect the measured depths. Depths of clinical efficacy were discussed from the perspective of de-qi and other clinical observations. Conclusions. Great inconsistency in depth of each point measured from different subject groups and tools exists. The definition of safe depth should be established through standardization. There is also lack of researches to compare the clinical efficacy. A well-designed clinical trial selecting proper measuring tools to decide the actual and advisable needling depth for each point, to avoid adverse effects or complications and promote optimal clinical efficacy, is a top priority.

A Review of the Clinical Use of Ultrasound in Korean Traditional Medicine

“…Among the 46 studies, a Korean medicine doctor led ultrasonography in 13 Evaluating the condition of joints and muscles [29] Sonograph can be more utilized than X-ray for differential diagnosis especially sensitive on the problem of effusion U Kim (2010) [30] When evaluating joint ultrasonography, Beevenom acupuncture was effects on pain, physical function and knee joint effusion U [31] For shoulder joints function and sonography, it was found that the pronation and internal version ranges are restricted indicating close relationship between mortor restriction of shoulder joints and scapular U Park (2012) [32] Intraarticular sonographic findings including cartilage thickness was correlated with extraarticular findings including PAT and a symptom of knee pain (p < 0.05) U KMD, Korean medicine doctor; MT, medical technician; NA, not applicable; PAT, Pes Anserinous tendinopathy; R, roentgenologist; TPVS, thoracic paravertebral space; U, unknown. [33] The possibility of estimating the thickness of the abdominal wall by looking at the characteristics of patients with functional dyspepsia, including the sternocostal angle. U Nam (2010) [34] Repeatability and reproducibility of the ultrasonography device system for measuring distance from CV13 to pancreas was acceptable KMD Kim (2011) [35] From the abdominal surface of Sangwan (CV13) to peritoneum in front of anterior surface of liver, 9 ㎒ linear probe and solid gel pad were acceptable KMD…”

Review on Intraperitoneal Acupuncture and Needling Depth

“…. 최근에는 해부용 시신에 초음파를 적용한 연구가 발표되었고 23) , 국내에서도 성인을 대상으로 초음파 및 CT 를 활용하여 연구가 이루어졌다(Table 2) [24][25][26][27] .…”