Statistical analysis
pain
The sample size was calculated based on the primary outcome (the differences in the change in pVAS between randomization and week 12). From the meta-analysis by Juni P, et al., [Baseline characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Categorical data are presented as number and percentage. Continuous variables are presented as mean and SD. The differences in pain VAS, global VAS, WOMAC score, KOOS score and EQ5D between baseline, fourth week and twelfth week were compared by independent t test, Chi-square test and generalized estimating equation (GEE). All statistical analyses were performed by using STATA 17. Statistical significance was defined as 