To analyze the acupoints selection rules for randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in the modern literatures, so as to provide basis and reference for clinical study of prescription design. Methods The literatures in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CBM, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang Data (to build a library until December 2017) about randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis from their inception to December 2017 were retrieved. Results:A total of 31 points in 22 pieces of literatures were included on the mainly meridians involved the foot yangming stomach channel, the foot taiyin spleen channel, the foot shaoyang gallbladder channel. Acupoints with high frequency included Yinlingquan (SP9), Yanglingquan (GB34), Zusanli (ST36), Dubi (ST35), Xuehai (SP10), Neixiyan (EX-LE4). The majority of them belonged to foot yangming stomach channel. Most of them were located on local knee joint. Conclusion:Acupoints selection rules of acupuncture for KOA in the modern literatures conform to the characteristics of etiology and pathogenesis. Acupuncture also focuses on acupoints along meridians and local point selection. A few are selected according to syndrome differentiation.