Flexor pollicis longus rupture following acupuncture for trigger thumb: a case report

30 November 2020


Siew Khei Liew, Kok Kheng Teh


Abstract

It is believed that acupuncture needling, which penetrates the flexor tendon sheath, improves local circulation, reduces inflammatory oedema and hence improves pain and snapping severity. The most common adverse events reported are local pain, slight bleeding or haematoma from needling (1.1%–6.1%). Among all the reported adverse events in a recent prospective series of acupuncture treatments for trigger finger, only one specifically involved the hand. The most frequently involved traditional acupuncture point locations were Taiyang, PC6 (Neiguan) and LI4 (Hegu) in the hand. There has been lack of consensus on traditional acupuncture point selection and treatment protocols for trigger finger.


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