Boguzhuyu Granules Developed by the Zhuang People for Early Treatment of Simple Thoracolumbar Compression Fractures: a Clinical Observational Study

Abstract

Objective: To explore the clinical effectiveness of Boguzhuyu Granules in the early treatment of simple thoracolumbar compression fractures.

Methods: We enrolled 180 cases of thoracolumbar compression fractures from Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine from June 2013 to April 2016, and divided them into the observation group and control group by block randomization method. Based on the treatment with a soft and thin protective padding covering the fracture site and back extension exercise, the observation group orally took Boguzhuyu Granules after mixing it with lukewarm boiled water, while the control group orally took Mannitol Injection. The outcome was evaluated by pain status assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), defecation after medication as well as clinical response.

Results: There was no significant difference between two groups with respect to VAS score before the treatment (P>0.05). However, VAS score decreased significantly in the observation group after treatment (P<0.05). The defecation status after medication was similar in both groups (P>0.05). The observation group demonstrated much better clinical response (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Boguzhuyu Granules developed by the Zhuang people is simple, convenient and safe for clinical treatment of thoracolumbar compression fractures, which can effectively reduce the post-fracture pain and improve the quality of life.