Clinical Study on Electroacupuncture for Residual Symptoms After Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Unilateral Laminotomy with Bilateral Decompression in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Abstract: Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture in treating residual symptoms after unilateral biportal endoscopy unilateral laminotomy with bilateral decompression (UBE-ULBD) in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Methods: A total of 60 patients with residual symptoms after UBE-ULBD for lumbar spinal stenosis treated at the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from December 2023 to December 2024 were selected and divided into the electroacupuncture group and the control group using the random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. Both groups received non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and neurotrophic drugs, while the electroacupuncture group additionally received electroacupuncture, and the control group received sham acupuncture. The clinical efficacy was evaluated, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores,and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were compared between the two groups at different time points. Results:The total effective rate was 93.3% (28/30) in the electroacupuncture group,significantly higher than that of 73.3% (22/30)in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment and at the one month follow-up, VAS and ODI scores were gradually decreased in both groups (P<0.05) , with the electroacupuncture group showing lower scores than the control group at the same time points (P<0.05). After treatment and at the one month follow-up, the JOA scores were gradually increased in both groups (P<0.05), with the electroacupuncture group showing higher scores than the control group at the same time points (P<0.05). Conclusion: Electroacupuncture can improve symptoms such as pain, numbness, and dysfunction in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis after UBE-ULBD,enhance their quality of life,and provide longer-lasting therapeutic effects.