Objective To establish different stages of knee osteoarthritis model with plaster immobilization, in order to provide an appropriate animal model for precise treatment of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine.
Methods Forty big-eared white rabbits were selected and randomly divided into model 1, 2, 3, and 4 groups, with a sample size of 10 in each group. The left hind limbs were immobilized in the straight position for 10 d, 20 d, 30 d, and 40 d, respectively. The behavior, morphology and pathological manifestations of the knee joint of the rabbits were observed.
Results The Lequesne MG behavioral score and Jessica Badendick gross morphological score changed significantly among the model groups (P<0.05), and the pathological test results showed significant differences in stages and differences among the groups.
Conclusion In the modeling process of knee osteoarthritis, there are significant differences among the groups. According to the most significant manifestations of each stage, the disease can be roughly divided into early, early, middle, and late stages. Interventions with acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine may be effective in treating the disease.