Xingmei Xu, Libin Zhao, Yue Li, Li Zhan, Lidong Zheng, Jingxian Wang

Department of Anesthesiology, Lu’an Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Luan, 237000, People’s Republic of China

Correspondence: Li Zhan, Department of Anesthesiology, Lu’an Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Luan, 237000, People’s Republic of China, Email 1784158909@qq.com

Background: The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of cheek acupuncture on perioperative pain in patients with hip fracture.
Methods: A random number table was utilized to allocate the patients into three distinct cohorts: Only spinal anesthesia was performed (group S), cheek acupuncture was performed before spinal anesthesia (group C), and ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca block was performed before spinal anesthesia (group F). The primary outcome measure was the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score within 24 hours post-surgery, as well as the level of beta-endorphin. The secondary outcome measures included intraoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), and degree of motor block.
Results: Compared to Group S, patients in group C and group F exhibited significantly lower Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores at the following endpoints: when the patient is positioned in the spinal anesthesia position (T2); 12 hours post-surgery (T5); and 24 hours post-surgery (T6). And patients in group C and group F demonstrated a decreased beta-endorphin level at the T6. Compared to Group S, patients in group C and group F displayed reduced Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) levels at T2.
Conclusion: The application of cheek acupuncture therapy in hip fracture surgery can effectively reduce the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, enhance perioperative safety, facilitate postoperative recovery, and optimize the overall medical experience for patients.
Clinical Trial: ChiCTR2100043194.

Keywords: cheek acupuncture, hip fracture, VAS score