A randomised, controlled trial in Germany studying acupuncture for arthritic joints, and involving 3633 patients, has found it to be of significant benefit in controlling the pain of hip and knee osteoarthritis. Partly as a result of this trial, the German Ministry of Health is considering a recommendation from a committee of doctors, that acupuncture be available under medical insurance.
(Acupuncture in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip: a randomized, controlled trial with an additional nonrandomized arm. Arthritis & Rheumatism, November 2006.)