| Title | Varus-Valgus motion and functional ability in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. | | Author(s) | van der Esch M, Steultjens M, Harlaar J, Wolterbeek N, Knol D, Dekker J | | Institution | Jan van Breemen Institute, Netherlands. | | Source | Ann Rheum Dis 2007 Jun 29. | | Abstract | OBJECTIVE: (i)To assess the relationship between knee varus-valgus motion and functional ability and (ii) to assess the impact of knee varus-valgus motion on the relationship between muscle strength and functional ability in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.
METHODS: Sixty-three patients with OA of the knee were tested. Varus-valgus motion was assessed by optoelectronic recording and 3D motion analysis. Functional ability was assessed by observation, using a 100-m walking test, a Get Up and Go test, and by the WOMAC-questionnaire. Muscle strength was measured by a computer-driven isokinetic dynamometer. Regression analyses were performed to assess the relationships between varus-valgus motion and functional ability, and to assess the impact of varus-valgus motion on the relationship between muscle strength and functional ability.
RESULTS: In patients with high varus-valgus range of motion, muscle weakness was associated with a stronger reduction in functional ability (i.e. longer walking-time and GUG-time) than in patients with low varus-valgus range of motion. A pronounced varus position and a difference between the left and right knees in varus-valgus position were related with reduced functional ability.
CONCLUSIONS: (i) In knee OA patients with high varus-valgus range of motion, muscle weakness has a stronger impact on functional ability than in patients with low varus-valgus range of motion, and (ii) knee OA patients with more pronounced varus knees during walking show a stronger reduction in functional ability than patients with less pronounced varus knees or with valgus knees. | | Language | ENG | | Pub Type(s) | JOURNAL ARTICLE
| | PubMed ID | 17604283 |
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