Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of oblique needling in combination with Tuina at the sacroiliac joint for patients experiencing sacroiliac joint injury.Methods One hundred and twenty patients with sacroiliac joint injury were randomized into routine Tuina group and oblique needling combined with Tuina(Acu+Tuina)group(n=60in each group).For patients of the Tuina group

routine Tuina as rotating

pressing-rubbing

digital pressing

articular moving

etc.was manipulated at Shangliao(BL 31)

Ciliao(BL 32)

Zhongliao(BL 31)

Xialiao(BL 30)

Huantiao(GB 30)

Zhibian(BL 54)

Weizhong(BL40)and sacroiliac joint area.For patients of the Acu+Tuina group

the anatomical points between the bilateral iliac crests and the sacral joints were punctured obliquely with disposable acupuncture needles.The treatment was conducted for 30 min every time

once daily for 3weeks except weekends.The Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)and Oswestry Disability Index(ODI

concerning intensity of pain

lifting

ability to care for oneself

ability to walk

ability to sit

sexual function

ability to stand

social life

sleep quality

and ability to travel)were employed to evaluate the patients' reactions and functional activity changes before and after the treatment.Results Following the treatment

of the two 60 patients in the Tuina and Acu +Tuina groups

12 and 26cases were cured

20 and 20experienced marked improvement

16 and 11were effective

12 and 3invalid

with the effective rates being 80% and 95%

respectively.The effective rate of the Acu+Tuina group was significantly superior to that of the Tuina group(P<0.05).The VAS scores and ODI were considerably decreased in both groups after the treatment and were significantly lower in the Acu+Tuina group than in the Tuina group(P<0.01).Conclusion Oblique needling the anatomical points in the sacroiliac joint region combined with Tuina manipulation is evidently better than simple Tuina in reducing pain and in improving functional activity and life quality in sacroiliac joint injury patients.