30 cases of popliteal cyst treated by fire needling and cupping therapy

Abstract Objective To explore the therapeutic effect of the fire needling with the three-edged needle and the cupping on popliteal cyst. Methods A total of 60 patients of popliteal cyst were divided into two groups, 30 cases in each one according to the random number table. In the fire needling group, the burnt-red three-edged needle was inserted to the deep layer of the cyst. After the fluid was squeezed out, the cupping was exerted. The treatment was given 1 to 2 times a week, for 4 weeks totally. In the western medication group, prednisolone acetate 25mg was injected in the cyst capsule, once a week, for 4 weeks totally. The effective rate, recurrence rate and Rauschning-Lindgren grading were evaluated before and after treatment. Results The total effective rate was 80.0% in the fire needling group and was 83.3% in the western medication group, without statistical significance in comparison (P > 0.05). The recurrence rate was 6.7% in the fire needling group and was 30% in the western medication group. The recurrence rate in the fire needling group was lower than that in the western medication group, indicating the statistical significance (P Conclusion The combined treatment with the fire needling combined with cupping therapy achieves the satisfactory effect on popliteal cyst and the very low recurrence rate and it is easy in operation and deserves to be promoted in primary care.