Objective We used plaster immobilization to establish different stages of the knee osteoarthritis model to provide an appropriate animal model for precise treatment of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. Methods A total of 40 large-eared white rabbits were selected and randomly divided into model groups ( 1, 2, 3, and 4), with a sample size of 10 in each group. The left hind limbs were immobilized in the extended position. Immobilization lasted for 10 days, 20 days, 30 days, and 40 days, respectively. The behavior, morphology, and pathological manifestations of the rabbits’ knee joints were observed. Results Lequesne myasthenia gravis behavior scores and Jessica Badendick general morphology scores changed significantly in each model group (P< 0. 05). The pathological test result showed a significant phase and difference among the groups. Conclusions In the process of modeling knee osteoarthritis, there are significant differences between the groups. According to the most significant manifestations of each stage, the disease can be roughly divided into an early stage, middle stage, and late stage. Intervention of acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine may be effective in treating the disease.