Objective: To explore the rules of the second metacarpal bone lateral needling in clinical application and its characteristics so as to provide the guidance to clinical practice. Methods: Taking "the second metacarpal holographic acupuncture therapy"" the second metacarpal bone lateral needling" and "the second metacarpal bone" as the search terms, the papers on the second metacarpal bone lateral needling were retrieved from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang database from January 1, 1974 to December 31, 2016 and were screened. Using the Excel 2003, the database of the diseases treated by the second metacarpal bone lateral needling was set up. The indications, the acupoints selection rules and needling manipulation of this therapy were analyzed. Results: A total of 1103 papers were retrieved, of which, 446 papers were from CNKI and 657 from Wanfang database. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 54 papers were included for analysis finally. It was found that the indications of the second metacarpal bone lateral needling were predominated by the soft tissue injuries, especially acute lumbar sprain, ankle sprain and knee joint injury. Regarding the acupoints selection rules of the second metacarpal bone lateral needling, the corresponding points and tender points were commonly selected. Regarding the needling manipulation, the strong stimulation was required after needle insertion and the patient was required to move the affected areas while keeping the strong needling sensation. The needles were inserted 20 mm in depth along the skin mainly. The even-needling technique was exerted and the needles were retained for 30 min mainly. Conclusion: The second metacarpal bone lateral needling is applied to the treatment of soft tissue injuries. It is applicable for some internal diseases. The strong needling sensation and the motion of the local affected area are required especially in treatment with this therapy. (c) 2018 Published by Elsevier B. V. on behalf of World Journal of Acupuncture Moxibustion House.