Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: * complete clinical, laboratory, imaging, surgical, and 3-month postoperative follow-up data; * age ≥ 40 years, regardless of sex; * a preoperative diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis adhering to the Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoarthritis; * BMI \< 32 kg/m2; and * no receipt of physical therapy (e.g., electrotherapy, cryotherapy, laser therapy, ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) or traditional Chinese medicine interventions (e.g., acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion) within 3 months prior to surgery. Exclusion Criteria: * missing or incomplete medical records, laboratory test results, imaging studies, surgical logs, or 3-month follow-up data; * severe coexisting conditions, including coagulopathy, autoimmune diseases, uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes, coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, severe osteoporosis, or malignant tumors; * a history of prior surgical procedures on the affected knee, including arthroscopy, meniscal repair or resection, and cruciate ligament reconstruction; * concomitant knee bone cysts, avascular necrosis, infection, or severe structural injuries to the cruciate ligaments, meniscus, or supporting soft tissues; * moderate-to-severe joint effusion or a positive patellar float test upon preoperative examination; - secondary osteoarthritis resulting from metabolic, systemic, or infectious etiologies (e.g., gouty arthritis or septic arthritis); * concomitant painful musculoskeletal conditions, such as lumbar disc herniation; * symptomatic arthropathy in other ipsilateral lower limb joints (e.g., hip or ankle) that could confound knee outcome assessments; * psychiatric disorders, cognitive impairments, or other conditions interfering with clinical outcome evaluations.