To reflect present situation of studies on acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), so as to provide thinking and evidence for further studies.
Quantitative analysis on acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of KOA is carried out with bibliometric method, using CNKI as data resource.
Altogether 98 papers are effective, which are published on 48 journals; more clinical studies are involved; combined therapy is commonly-uesd method, and Yanglingquan (GB 34), Xuehai (SP 10), Neixiyan (EX-LE 4), Dubi (ST 35) are commonly-used acupoints.
The level of clinical study on acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of KOA is lower; studies on the mechanism are insufficient; it is suggested that studies on the best combined program of comprehensive treatment ways need to be further strengthened.