Osteoarthritis induces gender-related changes in the knee range of motion

Abstract

In time, osteoarthritis (OA) generates the misalignment of the affected joint structures. However, due to the nature of bipedal gait, OA in the lower limb can also cause pathological gait patterns, which can generate instability and falls, with great consequence, especially in the aged population. With goniometry used to evaluate the range of motion (ROM) of joints, we wanted to evaluate how gender impacts gait dynamics in OA patients. For this study, we have compared 106 OA patients (74 females and 32 males) to age matched controls. All participants had their right leg as dominant. Video recording of normal gait was analyzed with a digital goniometry tool phone application, and the knee's ROM was measured in midstance and midswing moment of the gait. During midstance, significant extension and flexion of the knee excursion have been observed in both males and females. During midswing, knee OA presents more differences, whereas subjects with hip and knee OA present changes on the dominant knee. Midstance changes suggest that the knee's joint degenerative changes, such as synovitis, can be linked to hip OA secondary changes. Midswing changes in lower limb OA suggest a connection to the activities of daily life. Gender differences generated by OA must furthermore be studied in both lower limbs so that the best therapeutic approach can be chosen.

Effect of lumbosacral transitional vertebra on developmental alterations of the hip: a quantitative investigation of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex via whole-body computed tomography

“…These results may be related to the right lower extremity of most people being the predominant side. It is believed that the nature of these data may be explained by the particularities of human growth and development, gait, and the presence of mild osteoarthritis in some patients ( 42 ).…”

Geschlechtsspezifische Unterschiede von Motorik und Balance bei Gonarthrosepatienten

“…Vergleicht man unsere Studienergebnisse mit weiteren Publikationen, fällt auf, dass unterschiedliche Untersuchungsansätze zum Thema Gonarthrose und geschlechtsabhängiger Kraft-/Balancemessung gewählt wurden. Die Arbeitsgruppe von Statescu hat sich zum Beispiel mit dem Thema Gangstörungen bei Gonarthrose beschäftigt 8 . Sie konnte mittels Ganganalyse und digitaler Goniometrie zeigen, dass Gangstörungen mit dem Alter zunehmen und es geschlechtsspezifische Unterschiede gibt.…”

Value of X-ray Photography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Knee Degenerative Osteoarthropathy and the Evaluation of Arthropathy

“…When the patient's condition has developed to an advanced stage and the treatments mentioned above fail, the doctor will recommend that the patient undergo surgical treatment for joint reconstruction, mainly joint replacement and osteotomy. Treatment in this way can effectively relieve joint pain and help patients recover joint function [11,12].…”