The relationship between femoral cartilage thickness and muscle strength in knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

To explore whether femoral cartilage thickness is related (and changes) with muscle strength in subjects with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Forty patients (27 F, 13 M) with knee OA-who were under quadriceps muscle strengthening program-were enrolled in the study. Isokinetic/isometric knee muscle strength measurements (at 30-60° angles and 60-180° velocity) were performed at baseline, end of the muscle strengthening program, and third month control visit using a biodex dynamometer. Femoral cartilage thicknesses (at medial/lateral condyle and intercondylar area) were measured using ultrasonography. Seventy-nine knees of 40 patients (27 F, 13 M) aged 52.03 ± 11.72 years (range, 26-71) were analyzed. Mean VAS scores on the first and third months were significantly lower than the initial values (p < 0.001, p = 0.049). Isometric peak torque and total work values at 180 °/s were significantly higher than the baseline measurements at first and third month controls (all p < 0.05). Cartilage thicknesses (at three sites) were significantly higher than the baseline measurements (all p < 0.05) on the third month but not on the first month (all p > 0.05). Femoral cartilage thicknesses were positively correlated with isometric strength values at baseline and third month. We propose that femoral cartilage thicknesses increase on the third month of strengthening therapy. Since this late-phase thickening parallels the earlier increase in muscle strength (starting, on the first month), we speculate that regeneration rather than edema might be the primary underlying cause.

Effects of isokinetic muscle strengthening on balance, proprioception, and physical function in bilateral knee osteoarthritis patients with moderate fall risk

“…They also found a significant decrease in the VAS scores; however, they failed to show a significant change in the WOMAC subscores with isokinetic exercises. [9] One of the limitations of this study was that the patients performed only a single day of isokinetic exercise program with 30°/sec, 60°/sec, 90°/sec and 180°/sec angular velocities. Then, the patients moved on a home-based exercise program.…”

“…In their study, Tuna et al [9] investigated whether femoral cartilage thickness changed with muscle strengthening exercises. The authors found a positive correlation between the femoral cartilage thickness and muscle strength at three months.…”

“…There are several studies showing that isokinetic muscle strengthening exercises improve proprioception, balance and physical function. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14] In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of quadriceps and hamstring strengthening on proprioception, balance, and physical function specifically in patients with Grade 2 or 3 knee OA, according to the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) radiographic grading system and moderate risk of fall.…”

Development of a questionnaire survey to evaluate lower limb function of patients with knee osteoarthritis

“…The association between knee pain while rising from a chair or while stepping and K/L grade was considered. Previous studies have reported that the thickness of the femoral articular cartilage correlates with the strength of the quadriceps [40]. Moreover, according to previous studies, in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, the lower the muscle strength of the quadriceps muscle, the worse the condition of the knee joint on radiographic evaluation [41].…”

Nonsurgical Management of Cartilage Defects of the Knee: Who, When, Why, and How?

“…58 A single session of quadriceps strengthening can lead to a significant decrease in intra-articular levels of COMP in joint synovial fluid while observing no appreciable change in other biomarkers of inflammation and cartilage turnover, suggesting a biological benefit to cartilage health. 81 Other studies evaluating quadriceps strengthening more longitudinally over the course of 3 months have also demonstrated improved femoral cartilage thickness 82 and greater molecular weight of hyaluronic acid and viscosity of joint synovial fluid (both indicators of joint health). Additionally, a concurrent decrease in levels of chondroitin sulfate, a major GAG and primary component of articular cartilage, would suggest less cartilage tissue turnover.…”