Traumatic Complications of Acupuncture: Therapists Need to Know Human Anatomy

Abstract

While the frequency of adverse effects of acupuncture is unknown and they may be rare, knowledge of normal anatomy and anatomical variations is essential for safe practice and should be reviewed by regulatory bodies and those responsible for training courses.

Acupuncture-related adverse events: a systematic review of the Chinese literature

“…Similar events have been reported by other countries, [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] usually as a result of inappropriate technique. Acupuncture can be considered inherently safe in the hands of well trained practitioners.…”

“…The lung surface is about 10 to 20 mm beneath the skin in the region of the medial scapular or midclavicular line. 2 This may explain the high incidence of pneumothorax during needling in this area. Other traumatic complications, such as subarachnoid haemorrhage, cardiovascular injuries or perforation of the gallbladder, can also be caused by excessively deep needle insertion.…”

“…Serious adverse events resulting from acupuncture, including pneumothorax, cardiac tamponade, spinal cord injury and viral hepatitis, have been identified in previous literature reviews. [1][2][3][4] Prospective surveys to determine the frequency of acupuncture-related adverse events have been conducted in Germany, 5,6 Norway 7 and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. 8,9 These studies have shown an incidence of mild, transient acupuncture-related adverse events that ranges from 6.71% to 15%.…”

Pneumotórax pós-acupuntura: apresentação clínica e tratamento

“…Várias publicações relatam sérias lesões associadas à acupuntura, inclusive com desfecho fatal, como casos de tamponamento cardíaco e pneumotórax bilateral [2][3][4] . Dentre as diversas complicações, o pneumotórax é o descrito com maior freqüência.…”

Retroperitoneal Abscess Complicated by Acupuncture: Case Report

“…Pneumothorax is the most frequently reported complication caused by acupuncture treatment, but infectious complications may also be common. It is important to recognize that even one avoidable adverse event is too many (6). The adverse effects of acupuncture treatment can be avoidable with better anatomical knowledge and appropriate antiseptic practice.…”