Der Einsatz von Blutegeln zur symptomatischen Schmerztherapie bei Patienten mit Arthrose des Kniegelenks

The effects of leech therapy on patients with symptomatic arthritis of the knee have been examined in a blinded placebo-controlled clinical survey for the first time. Its results give evidence similar to prior studies, yet have a higher validity due to the improved study design and a greater number of probands. Leech therapy is an option that is worth trying in grades III and IV of knee arthritis. Involving fewer risks and side effects considerable outcome is possible. Especially the pain situation is relaxed; the patients regain their flexibility and can reduce their amount of pain medication. In contrast, only a minor improvement can be expected considering sports and recreational behaviour. A repetition of the therapy after an interval of four weeks enhances the outcome in intensity and duration. In the course of the study leech therapy proved to be a widely accepted, well-tolerated, easily practicable and inexpensive method of treatment in spite of its unexplained mechanism. Cause and limitations of its healing effect should therefore be analysed under optimised conditions and in a greater extent.

Grantor dc:publisher

Publikationsserver der RWTH Aachen University

Year dc:date

2009

Author dc:creator

• Stock, Friedrich

Contributors dc:contributor

• Niethard, Fritz Uwe

• info:eu-repo/classification/ddc/610
• Arthrose
• Medizinischer Blutegel
• Schmerztherapie
• Alternative Medizin
• Medizin
• arthritis
• pain treatment
• medical leech
• alternative medicine

Statement dc:rights

• info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Language dc:language

ger

Identifier

https://publications.rwth-aachen.de/search?p=id:%22RWTH-CONV-113455%22

OAI record oai:identifier

https://publications.rwth-aachen.de/oai2d?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=oai_dc&identifier=oai%3Apublications.rwth-aachen.de%3A51140