Article

We recently developed a new method for three-dimensional evaluation of mechanical
factors affecting knee joint in order to help identify factors that contribute to
the progression of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).
This study aimed to verify the
clinical validity of our method by evaluating knee joint dynamics during gait.
Subjects were 41 individuals
(14 normal knees; 8 mild KOAs;
19 severe KOAs).
The positions of skin markers attached to the body were captured during gait, and
bi-planar X-ray images of the lower extremities were obtained in standing
position. The positional relationship between the markers and femorotibial bones
was determined from the X-ray images. Combining this relationship with gait
capture allowed for the estimation of relative movement between femorotibial
bones. We also calculated the point of intersection of loading axis of knee on
the tibial proximal surface (LAK point) to analyze knee joint dynamics. Knee
flexion range in subjects with severe KOA during gait was significantly smaller
than that in those with normal knees (p=0.011), and knee adduction in those with
severe KOA was significantly larger than in those with mild KOA (p<0.000). LAK
point was locally loaded on the medial compartment of the tibial surface as KOA
progressed, with LAK point of subjects with severe KOA rapidly shifting medially
during loading response. Local loading and medial shear force were applied to the
tibial surface during stance phase as medial KOA progressed. Our findings suggest
that our method is useful for the quantitative evaluation of mechanical factors
that affect KOA progression.
CI - Copyright (c) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS