Literature review shows that Chinese medicine and other related treatment are still the main stream treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Currently

there is short of handbook guiding Chinese medicine from evidence-based medical evidence

so it is a top priority to develop a clinical guideline from the expert consensus. After several rounds of discussion during the conference and examination by letter

which has collected opinions from nearly one hundred experts

consensus was reached. Nonpharmacologic interventions include health education

medical exercise

acupuncture

massage

acupotomology

and physiotherapy. Pharmacological interventions are as follows. Topical application includes fumigation

application

hot compressed

ironing and iontophoresis with Chinese herbs

etc. Chinese patent medicine for external use includes plaster

ointment

etc. Western medicine for external use mainly includes emulsion

ointment

plaster and embrocation containing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Intraarticular injection mainly includes sodium hyaluronic acid

chitosan (for injection) with prudent use of glucocorticoid. Chinese herbal medicine and Chinese patent medicine can be taken referring to syndrome differentiation which mainly includes syndromes of qi stagnation and blood stasis

cold dampness

deficiency of Gan (Liver) and Shen (Kidney)

deficiency of qi and blood. Western medicine mainly includes analgesic

NSAIDs

diseases modifying drugs. Surgery procedures mainly include joint irrigation

arthroscopic surgery

osteotomy

arthroplasty

etc.