Different Acupuncture Therapies for Postoperative Residual Pain Following PKP/PVP for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures: A Protocol for a Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis

Background

Osteoporotic Vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) is a common consequence of osteoporosis and accounts for a substantial proportion of osteoporotic fractures. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) are among the common treatment modalities for OVCF. In patients undergoing PVP/PKP, approximately one quarter experience postoperative residual pain, which seriously affects the health and quality of life of patients. Acupuncture has exhibited promising efficacy in alleviating residual pain after PKP/PVP; still some controversy remains. Clinical researches have demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture; however it is still unclear which acupuncture technique is best for relieving pain in patients who have had PKP/PVP. A Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) will be used to examine the relative effectiveness of several acupuncture modalities in postoperative OVCF patients.