JAPAN Multicenter, Randomized, Open-label, Parallel-Group Comparison Study on Clinical Efficacy and Responders to Acupuncture for Osteoarthritis of the Knee

INTERVENTION: Thumb Tack Needles sham acupuncture CONDITION: osteoarthritis of the knee PRIMARY OUTCOME: VAS SECONDARY OUTCOME: WOMAC SF‐36 INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1)Kellgren and Lawrence grade 2 or lower 2)No intra‐articular injection within 4weeks prior to enrollment 3)No history of acupuncture therapy within 6 months prior to enrollment 4)No evident disease in hip joints and lumbar spine parts impairing walking 5)No evident trauma, arthritis not caused by age related alteration such as septic arthritis, and history of surgery 6)Patients must have oral communication ability; can provide written informed consent signed by him/her or from a family member under their free will after receiving full explanation of the study.