Acupuncture Provides Short-Term Functional Improvements and Pain Relief for Patients After Knee Replacement Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Researchers analyzed 23 studies involving 1,464 patients to determine whether acupuncture helps with recovery after knee replacement surgery. They divided recovery into three phases: short-term (up to 2 weeks), intermediate-term (2 weeks to 3 months), and long-term (more than 3 months). The study found that acupuncture provided significant benefits during the short-term recovery period immediately following surgery. Patients who received acupuncture showed improved knee movement at one and two weeks after surgery. They also experienced less pain at rest during the first two weeks, with reduced pain levels noted at 12 hours, and on days 1, 2, 5, and week 2 after their operation. Pain during movement was also reduced on days 1 and 7 after surgery. The researchers found that conventional acupuncture worked better than auricular (ear) acupuncture, with the best results coming from a combination of acupuncture points near the knee and points farther away on the body. For maximum benefit, acupuncture should be started early—ideally before the first or second day after surgery—and combined with regular physical therapy. However, the benefits appeared to be temporary, lasting only during the first two weeks of recovery. While these findings are promising for short-term pain relief and improved mobility immediately after knee replacement, more high-quality research is needed to confirm these results. Patients interested in acupuncture after knee surgery should consult with a qualified, licensed acupuncturist who has experience working with post-surgical patients.

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined 23 randomized controlled trials with 1,464 participants undergoing knee replacement surgery. The analysis stratified outcomes into short-term (≤2 weeks), intermediate-term (2 weeks-3 months), and long-term (>3 months) recovery phases. Significant improvements were demonstrated only during the short-term phase, with enhanced active range of motion at day 7 and week 2 post-operation, and reduced pain at rest at multiple time points (12 hours, days 1, 2, 5, and week 2). Pain during movement decreased on days 1 and 7. Auricular acupuncture showed no significant efficacy. Conventional acupuncture utilizing combined distal and local point selection demonstrated superior outcomes. Clinical recommendation: initiate acupuncture before postoperative day 1-2, integrated with physical therapy protocols. Study registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024503479). Effect sizes not reported in abstract. Authors acknowledge need for additional high-quality trials to validate findings. Clinical takeaway: acupuncture provides evidence-based short-term adjunctive benefits for post-knee replacement recovery when applied early in hospital settings.