BACKGROUND: Acupotomy has been widely used to treat nerve entrapment syndrome. 
But its efficiency has not been scientifically and methodically evaluated. The 
aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the acupotomy 
treatment in patients with nerve entrapment syndrome.
METHODS: Fifteen databases will be searched from inception to Dec 2019. We will 
include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing acupotomy for nerve 
entrapment syndrome. All RCTs on acupotomy or related interventions will be 
included. Study inclusion, data extraction and quality assessment will be 
performed independently by 2 reviewers. Assessment of risk of bias and data 
synthesis will be performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Cochrane criteria for 
risk-of-bias will be used to assess the methodological quality of the trials.
RESULTS: This study will provide a high-quality synthesis of pain VAS and 
functional disability or the quality of life, the success treatment rate, the 
recurrent rate and the complications rate to assess the effectiveness and safety 
of acupotomy for nerve entrapment syndrome patients.
CONCLUSION: This systematic review will provide evidence to judge whether 
acupotomy is an effective intervention for patients with nerve entrapment 
syndrome.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42018109086.