The value of cross legged sitting: Virtue or vice for health.A review from sports medicine, physiology and yoga.Implications in joint arthroplasty.

Abstract

Background: Despite the large volume of knee replacements carried out the world over, three very pertinent questions regarding the basic act of sitting & its relevance to Knee Arthroplasty have not yet been given adequate thought. Objectives: 1). whether sitting cross legged is healthier than chair sitting, 2). does sitting cross legged impact quality and longevity of life, 3.) Does it affect durability of the Arthoplasty implant whether total or partial knee Arthoplasty. This Pilot Analysis may lead to change in the habitual practice of doing total knee replacements without considering a more functional, less invasive & more cost friendly option. Methods: This study was conducted in accordance with the MOOSE (meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology) and PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and Meta analyses) guidelines. Results 1. Sitting cross legged is scientifically proven healthier way to sit compared to chair sitting on all counts…Body &Mind as reported by studies from Yoga, Sports medicine & human physiology. It increases fitness & enhances longevity of life too. 2. Only Unicondylar knee Arthroplasty gives the ability to sit cross legged (most Total knees are not allowed to sit cross legged for fear of exaggerated wear and those that are have a unacceptable percentage of spin offs or dislocation of polyethylene inserts) 3. In almost all lab studies, the mean wear rate of the medial & lateral bearings combined as a Total knee Replacement are significantly lower than a comparable fixed bearing as TKR under the same kinematic conditions. Unicondylar knees last longer too. Conclusions: Sitting cross legged is an important function for health & longevity. It is culturally an unalienable part of Indian/Asian lifestyle. UKA provides these advantages and lasts longer in In vitro studies.