Analysis of body alignments of patients with medial knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the body alignment of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), and to investigate the relationship between body alignment and physical functions. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-five subjects with knee OA and twenty healthy elderly subjects participated. Body alignment was measured using two-dimensional video analysis. Range of motion, muscle strength, 5-m walking time, and one-leg standing duration were also measured. [Results] Patients with knee OA had forward head posture, lumbar flexion, pelvic posterior tilt, trunk anterior tilt, and knee varus. Moreover, lumbar flexion and trunk anterior tilt significantly correlated with back strength in knee OA patients. [Conclusion] In patients with knee OA, the alignment of not only the leg but also the trunk changed. These body alignment changes may affect physical functions.