Using Ultrasonography Measurements to Determine the Depth of the GB 21 Acupoint to Prevent Pneumothorax

Abstract

Introductions: Pneumothorax is the most frequent severe acupuncture-related adverse event occurring at the GB 21 acupoint. This study used ultrasonography (US) to measure the depth of the GB 21 acupoint in adults and assessed its applicability for ensuring safe acupuncture practices. Materials and methods: A US probe was used to measure the vertical depth from the skin to the pleural line of the apex of the lungs at the right and left GB 21 acupoints. The sex, age, body weight, height, and body mass index of each person were recorded. Student t test and generalized estimating equations were used for statistical analysis. Results: Sixty women and 41 men with a median age of 29 years were included in this study. The depth of GB 21 increased with body weight, height, and body mass index (p < 0.001). The mean depth of GB 21 in men (17.4 mm) was greater than that in women (14.6 mm; p < 0.001). The depth difference between the right and left shoulders was significant in men (p < 0.001) but not in women. Conclusions: US can be used to measure GB 21 acupoint depth. Further control studies on its use to ensure safe clinical practices, including preventing acupuncture-related pneumothorax, are warranted. Keywords: acupuncture, complication, GB 21, pneumothorax, ultrasonography