Objective To observe the effects of point-pricking method with fire needle on the symptoms of knee joint and physio-psychological health in the patients with knee osteoarthritis(KOA). Methods Sixty six patients with KOA were randomly divided into a fire needling group(33 cases) and a filiform needling group(33 cases). The patients received the point-pricking method with fire needle in the fire needle group while the conventional acupuncture with filiform needle was provided in the filiform needling group. The basic health management was performed in both groups. The acupoints included bilateral Liangqiu(ST34)

Xuehai(SP10)

Dubi(ST35)

Neixiyan(EX-LE4)

Yanglingquan(GB34) and Zusanli(ST36) as well as Ashi points. The treatment was conducted twice a week for 6 weeks consecutively. Before and after treatment

the scores of Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC)

traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) symptoms and visual analogue score(VAS)

the numbers of affected areas of knee joint pain and the scores of 12-item short-form health survey(SF-12) were assessed and the incidence of adverse effects was recorded. Results The score for pain

stiffness and function

as well as the total score of WOMAC were all reduced(P<0.05)

the score of TCM symptoms

VAS score and the numbers of the affected areas of knee joint pain were lower(P<0.05) after treatment when compared with those before treatment within group. After treatment

the score of each domain of SF-12(i.e. general health

physical function

role-physical

vitality

role-emotional

physical component summary and mental component summary) was higher in comparison to those before treatment in both groups(P<0.05)

while the scores of bodily pain

mental health and social functioning in SF-12 were increased in the fire needling group(P<0.05). Compared with the filiform needling group

the score of joint function and the total score in WOMAC and VAS score were reduced remarkably(P<0.05)

and general health score in SF-12 was more obviously increased(P<0.05) in the fire needling group after treatment. None adverse effects were found in either group. Conclusion The point-pricking method with fire needle is safe and effective when compared with conventional acupuncture with filiform needle. In the aspects of improving knee joint function

relieving joint pain and advancing the quality of life

the point-pricking method with fire needle is superior to the conventional acupuncture with filiform needle.