Rotator cuff injury is a relatively common shoulder disease, mainly related to rotator cuff tendon injury or tear. In recent years, more and more people have suffered from rotator cuff injuries, especially older adults over 60. The rotator cuff is mainly composed of four tendons: subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor tendons. These tendons are crucial in shoulder joint movement, such as lifting, rotating, and swinging the shoulder arm. Among them, supraspinatus tendon injury is higher in rotator cuff injury, accounting for more than 85%. The incidence of rotator cuff injury increases gradually with age, associated with muscle and bone degradation in the body. In addition, high-risk groups such as those engaged in heavy physical labor, repetitive shoulder activities, strenuous exercise, and sports athletes are also more likely to develop rotator cuff injuries. The auricular point is an essential part of the human meridian system. Stimulating the acupuncture points of the ear can stimulate the meridians, promote the circulation of qi and blood, and achieve the role of treating diseases. Although studies have proved the existence of auricular meridians, it is still necessary to further understand its essence, its connection with the viscera, and whether auricular points, spleen, liver, heart, and other points have the effect of treating the diseases related to the circulation meridians. Therefore, more evidence-based medical evidence is needed to confirm the role of auricular point sticking therapy.

To explore the application of auricular point sticking therapy in perioperative shoulder arthroscopy in elderly patients.

From January 2022 to January 2023, 60 elderly patients with rotator cuff injuries underwent shoulder arthroscopic surgery in the Department of Orthopedics of Beijing Longfu Hospital. The patients were equally divided into the control group and the treatment group. Based on routine analgesia, auricular point sticking therapy was added. The visual analog scale (VAS) and patient satisfaction survey were used to evaluate the pain numerical scores and patients' satisfaction with the analgesic effect on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd day after surgery in the two groups.

The VAS scores of the treatment group were significantly lower than those of the control group on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd day after operation, and the difference in pain values between the two groups was statistically significant. The patient satisfaction rate in the treatment group was 97%, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (67%), and the comparison between the groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). The improvement of the range of motion in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the comparison between the groups was statistically significant (P<0.05) .

Perioperative application of auricular point sticking and pressing therapy in elderly patients with rotator cuff injury can reduce postoperative pain scores and improve patients' satisfaction with analgesia.