Title: Biomechanics and Knee Osteoarthritis
Volume: 2
Issue: 2
Author(s): David J. Hunter and Fabian E. Pollo
Affiliation:
Keywords:
neuromuscular strength, body weight times, Muscle-strengthening exercises, COX-2 inhibitors, Valgus Bracing
Abstract: This narrative review focuses on the influence of biomechanics on the etiology of knee osteoarthritis, and on the therapies that may ameliorate these forces. The etiopathogenesis of osteoarthritis is widely believed to be the result of local mechanical factors acting within the context of systemic susceptibility. For knee osteoarthritis knee alignment, and the stance-phase adduction moment are key determinants of the disproportionate medial transmission of load and may play a role in knee symptoms. Since involvement of the medial compartment of the knee is especially frequent, interventions whose goal is to realign the knee so as to reduce transarticular loading on the medial compartment, such as valgus bracing are sometimes used clinically. Two therapies that have attempted to modify these forces are knee braces and heel wedges. Greater attention to the important role of mechanical factors in OA etiopathogenesis and their modification is required if we are to find ways of reducing the public health impact of this condition.
