ObjectiveTo study the effects of arthroscopic surgery combined with Bushenjiangu decoction on the ankle joint pain, swelling and activity in middle and old age patients with osteoarthritis.

MethodsNinety-six elderly patients with osteoarthritis of the ankle joint were randomly divided into the control group and observation group(48 cases in each group).The control group was treated with arthroscopic surgery, and the observation group was treated with Bushenjiangu decoction on the basis of control group.The curative effect was compared between two groups, and the scores of ankle joint pain, swelling and activity in two groups were compared between before and after treatment.All cases were followed-up for 1 year.The improved McGuire, Mazur and AOFAS scores were compared.

ResultsThe total effective rates of treatment in observation group and control group were 97.91% and 83.33%, respectively, and the difference of which was statistically significant(P < 0.01).The joint pain, swelling and activity scores in two groups after treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment(P < 0.01), and the joint pain, swelling and activity scores in observation group after treatment were significantly higher than those in control groups(P < 0.01).After 1 year of following-up, the improved McGuire, Mazur and AOFAS scores in two groups were significantly higher than before treatment(P < 0.01), and the improved McGuire, Mazur and AOFAS scores in observation group were significantly higher than those in control group(P < 0.01).

ConclusionsThe curative effect of arthroscopic surgery combined with Bushenjiangu decoction on senile osteoarthritis of the ankle joint is significant, which can significantly improve the ankle pain, swelling and other symptoms, promote the recovery of ankle function, and is highly secure and worthy of promotion in clinic.