Warm needle acupuncture for osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Warm needle acupuncture (WA) is considered a potential intervention in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). PURPOSE: To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of WA in the treatment of OA. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis METHODS: Fourteen databases were searched from their inception until May 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of WA for treating OA were identified. Study selection and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers. The Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation program were used to assess all included RCTs. RESULTS: =27.3%, p < 0.001, 25 studies, n = 2208), pain, and function. None of the RCTs reported serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: WA may have some distinct advantages in the treatment of OA. However, well-designed RCTs with larger sample sizes are needed.