Volume 2,Issue 3
Efficacy of Combined Acupuncture, Medication, and Moxibustion in Improving Constipation and Abdominal Distension in Elderly Patients with Stable Thoracolumbar Fractures
Objective: This study observed the therapeutic efficacy and safety of a combined acupuncture, medication, and moxibustion regimen in bedridden elderly patients with stable thoracolumbar fractures, specifically regarding constipation and abdominal distension, aiming to provide a reference for the clinical management of such patients. Methods: A total of 80 elderly patients with stable thoracolumbar fractures admitted to our hospital from January 2025 to June 2026 were enrolled. Using a computer-generated random number table, all cases were divided into a study group and a control group, with 40 patients in each group. The control group received oral lactulose. The study group received all treatments of the control group plus oral Shangke Tongfu Decoction, combined with acupuncture and moxibustion as a combined intervention. The study compared abdominal distension manifestations and defecation-related conditions before and after treatment between the two groups. Results: The total effective rate was 90.00% in the study group and 70.00% in the control group, with a statistically significant difference between groups (p < 0.05). Before treatment, the PAC-SYM scores of the two groups were similar, with no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). After treatment, the scores of both groups decreased, and the scores in the study group were lower than those in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Elderly patients with stable thoracolumbar fractures are prone to constipation and abdominal distension after bed rest. The combined treatment of acupuncture, medication, and moxibustion can achieve favorable therapeutic effects, alleviate constipation and abdominal distension-related symptoms, and provide a certain reference for clinical practice.
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