Effect of Thread-embedding Acupuncture on Gait Improvement in Patients with Multi-level Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Two Case Reports and a Literature Review

Background: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a common degenerative disorder in older adults and is often associated with neurogenic claudication and gait dysfunction.While thread-embedding acupuncture (TEA) has been widely used, evidence of its effectiveness in treating LSS is limited.This study aimed to report gait improvement after TEA in elderly LSS patients.Methods: This study investigated two elderly females with multi-level LSS who were hospitalized for integrative Korean medicine treatment, including TEA.Moreover, TEA was applied to the multifidus and erector spinae muscles, with individualized protocols, and the outcomes were assessed using pain scales, functional tests, and gait analysis.Results: Both patients have experienced a significant reduction in pain and an improvement in gait and daily functioning after undergoing TEA.The patients' pain scores and radiating symptoms decreased, balance and walking endurance increased, and quality of life improved.The gait video analysis confirmed improved posture, and both patients showed significant overall improvement at discharge. Conclusion:It was suggested that TEA may improve pain, gait, and posture in elderly LSS patients based on the objective gait analysis results and patient-reported outcomes.Although TEA can be considered a safe and feasible treatment method, further research is needed to confirm its efficacy.