Case report reveals integrative Korean medicine alleviates pain and improves function post-surgery, indicating potential benefits for similar patients.
Objectives : This study aims to report the clinical effects of integrative Korean medicine treatment in a patient with persistent pain after surgery for osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT).Methods : A 51-year-old male with persistent ankle pain after microfracture surgery for OLT was admitted for inpatient treatment.The patient received integrative Korean medicine treatment including acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, herbal medicine, and cupping.Outcomes were assessed using the numeric rating scale (NRS), range of motion (ROM), and activities of daily living.Results : Right ankle pain decreased from NRS 8 to 4, and bilateral plantar pain decreased from NRS 4 to 3. ROM improved to approximately 5° in all directions.Functional status improved, with independent standing for up to 50 minutes and walking for over 60 minutes without assistive devices.No serious adverse events were reported.Conclusions : Integrative Korean medicine treatment may reduce pain and improve function in patients with persistent symptoms after OLT surgery.
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Oh et al. (2026) studied this question.
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