Short-Term Safety and Effectivess of Apipuncture in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Single-Arm Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objective: Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, often poses challenges in conventional medical treatment, leading patients to explore traditional and complementary medicine options including apitherapy. Bee venom, known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, has been considered as a potential therapy. This study investigates the short-term safety and effectiveness of applying live bee venom in knee osteoarthritis patients. Materials and Methods: Conducted at a university hospital's Apitherapy Clinic, this single-arm clinical trial enrolled individuals diagnosed with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis (stage 2-3). A single session of live bee venom application was administered to acupuncture points ST35, EX-LE4, and ash-chi, specifically targeting the painful knee joint. Data collection involved the utilization of a Demographic Information Questionnaire and SF-12 Scale, along with a comparison of the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), 5 Times Sit-to-Stand Test (5xSST), and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire before and after the treatment. Results: Before the treatment, the average NRS value stood at 7.14 ± 1.7, and following the intervention, it notably decreased to 3.06 ± 2.16 (p<0.05). Additionally, the mean value for the 5xSST decreased from 14.59 ± 3.36 before treatment to 11.75 ± 2.30 after treatment. The WOMAC scale also showed a significant difference between pre- and post-treatment (p<0.05), with the mean value decreasing from 41.91 ± 18.07 before treatment to 15.57 ± 15.14 after treatment. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate a significant improvement in the NRS, 5xSST, and WOMAC scales after the administration of live bee venom for knee osteoarthritis patients.