Deep Learning-Based CT Imaging to Evaluate the Therapeutic Effects of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Therapy on Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

The study was aimed at analyzing the application value of deep learning-based computed tomography (CT) in evaluating the effect of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Specifically, 124 patients with KOA were selected in the test group (warm acupuncture and moxibustion) and the control group (simple acupuncture), with 62 cases in each group. Deep learning-based CT scanning was performed before and after treatment to compare the Lequesne-Mery, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC), Hospital Special Surgery (HSS), and Knee Society Score (KSS) scores as well as the overall effective rate. The results showed that the trabecular thickness, quantity, bone mineral density (BMD), connection density, structural model index, and articular cartilage thickness were different significantly between the two groups ( $P<0.05$ ). After treatment, the Lequesne-Mery was 4.78, the VAS was 0.87, and the WOMAC score was 14.89 of the test group, which were reduced ( $P<0.05$ ). The KSS and HSS scores of the test group were improved significantly after treatment ( $P<0.05$ ). The total effective rate of the test group was 85.48%, and that of the control group was 51.61%; the former was significantly higher than the latter ( $P<0.05$ ). In conclusion, acupuncture could improve the clinical effect on KOA patients, and CT scanning under deep learning algorithm could evaluate the clinical effect of acupuncture for KOA.