EFFECTIVENESS OF ACUPUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION WITH HUAYU XUJIN DECOCTION ON BONE HEALING AND KNEE FLEXIBILITY IN ATHLETES WITH FEMORAL NECK FRACTURES

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates the combined effect of Huayu Xujin Decoction and acupuncture on bone healing and knee joint mobility in athletes with femoral neck fractures. The aim is to provide a theoretical and experimental basis for treating such injuries with this integrative approach. Methods: From January 2022 to January 2023, 60 athletes with unilateral femoral neck fractures were enrolled at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology in a Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. Participants were divided into a control group, receiving standard care plus acupuncture and moxibustion, and an experimental group, which additionally received Huayu Xujin Decoction. Outcome measures included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Harris Hip Score for joint function, and limb swelling assessments conducted before treatment, and at 1-, 7-, and 14-days post-treatment. Results: Initially, no significant differences were noted between groups in terms of age, gender, Garden grade, pre-treatment VAS scores, Harris scores, or hip swelling (P > 0.05). Post-treatment results revealed significant improvements in both groups for VAS scores and hip swelling at days 7 and 14 (P < 0.05), with the experimental group showing significantly better outcomes than the control group at these times (P < 0.05). The experimental group also demonstrated superior hip function and reduced pain, indicating more effective bone healing and recovery. Conclusion: The addition of Huayu Xujin Decoction to acupuncture and moxibustion treatment significantly enhances bone healing and improves knee joint functionality in athletes with femoral neck fractures. This combined treatment approach not only accelerates recovery but also supports early resumption of hip joint activities, contributing to safer and more effective rehabilitation for athletes. This study underscores the potential benefits of integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine with conventional treatments to optimize recovery in sports-related injuries.