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Osteoarthritis
Varus–valgus laxity and passive stiffness in medial knee osteoarthritis
Article first published online: 2 SEP 2010
DOI: 10.1002/acr.20220
Copyright © 2010 by the American College of Rheumatology
Additional Information
How to Cite
Creaby, M. W., Wrigley, T. V., Lim, B. W., Bowles, K.-A., Metcalf, B. R., Hinman, R. S. and Bennell, K. L. (2010), Varus–valgus laxity and passive stiffness in medial knee osteoarthritis. Arthritis Care Res, 62: 1237–1243. doi: 10.1002/acr.20220
Publication History
- Issue published online: 2 SEP 2010
- Article first published online: 2 SEP 2010
- Accepted manuscript online: 9 APR 2010 12:00AM EST
- Manuscript Accepted: 30 MAR 2010
- Manuscript Received: 18 AUG 2009
Funded by
- National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia. Grant Number: 454686
- Physiotherapy Research Foundation, Australia
- Australian Research Council Future Fellowship
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Abstract
Objective
To compare differences in knee varus and valgus angular laxity and passive mechanical stiffness between asymptomatic knees and those with mild, moderate, and severe knee osteoarthritis (OA).
Methods
A total of 127 participants with symptomatic medial tibiofemoral OA and 32 asymptomatic controls participated. OA knees were stratified according to radiographic severity. Varus–valgus laxity was evaluated using a customized dynamometer, providing continuous measurement of varus–valgus joint angle and torque. The following indices were calculated: 1) varus, valgus, and total angular laxity, 2) end-range varus and valgus stiffness, and 3) midrange stiffness.
Results
There was no difference in varus, valgus, and total angular laxity, or varus and valgus end-range stiffness between the groups (P > 0.05 for all). The OA groups were less stiff in the midrange compared with the controls (P = 0.004–0.043).
Conclusion
The absence of differences in total angular laxity is contrary to previous findings, and may be associated with the failure of previous work to account for body size effects. Less midrange stiffness in OA participants compared with controls may indicate less rotational support provided by passive joint structures in knee OA within the functionally important range. The role of passive varus–valgus stiffness in disease onset and progression is worthy of further investigation.