To observe the therapeutic effect of acupuncture on osteoarthritis(OA) and its efficacy on cartilage restoration,acupuncture and physiotherapy treatment were respectively given to two random groups. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) was used to evaluate the motor function of knee joints, followed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning to measure T2 values in ten cartilage sub-regions in tibiofemoral joints.

To observe the therapeutic effect of acupuncture on osteoarthritis and its efficacy on cartilage restoration,one hundred knees of 50 patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomly divided into acupuncture group and physiotherapy group which were respectively received acupuncture and physiotherapy treatment for four weeks. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) was used to evaluate the motor function of knee joints, followed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning to measure T2 values in ten cartilage sub-regions in tibiofemoral joints.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinically diagnosed as knee osteoarthritis according to the OA criteria proposed by American College of Rheumatology in 1995.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute knee injury
• Had ever accepted therapy as hormone or injection in articulation cavity
• Had ever accepted treatment as oral medicine, physiotherapy, acupuncture or massage during the passed three months
• Had planted cardiac pacemaker or any metal matter in body
• Other severe diseases such as heart, lung, liver, kidney or cerebrum failure, tumors, gastrointestinal hemorrhage and so on
• Pregnant or lactating woman
• Anyone unable to tolerate or cooperate with treatment.