BACKGROUND
Chronic refractory wounds in orthopedic patients not only impede physical recovery but also cause sleep disturbances due to treatment-related anxiety. This study aims to investigate the effects of combining clay pot therapy with thunder-fire moxibustion on the wound healing and sleep quality of patients with chronic refractory wounds.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
From June 2022 to December 2024, 60 patients in the department of orthopedics of a class III hospital in Guangdong Province were randomly divided into an observation group (n=30) and control group (n=30). The control group received conventional treatment, including anti-infective therapy for chronic wounds, debridement, measures to improve microcirculation, and neurotrophic support. The observation group received clay pot therapy combined with thunder-fire moxibustion in addition to the treatments administered to the control group. Wound healing rate, local symptom scores, pain scores, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores were compared between the 2 groups.
RESULTS
After the intervention, the observation group achieved a significantly higher cure rate (26.67% vs 3.33%), lower local symptom scores (5.08±1.60 vs 7.02±1.89), lower pain scores (1.89±2.06 vs 2.97±1.98), and better Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores (9.58±1.56 vs 11.30±2.15), compared with the control group (all P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Clay pot combined with thunder-fire moxibustion in the treatment of chronic refractory wounds in the orthopedics department can promote wound healing, improve sleep quality, and improve the clinical curative effect.

Keywords: 24,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3; Chronic Disease; Osteoarthritis; Pain; Randomized Controlled Trial; Wounds and Injuries