Analysis of joint angle and upper and lower thigh rotation movements in the stance phase of walking by subjects with medial knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between lateral thrust and rotation of the knee during walking by people with knee osteoarthritis. [Subjects] Thirteen knee osteoarthritis patients and eight control subjects participated in this study. [Methods] Kinematic data during the stance phase were collected using a high speed camera and tri-axial angular velocimeters. [Results] The external rotation angular velocity of the lower thigh of mild knee osteoarthritis patients was more significantly decreased than that of the control subjects. Angles of knee varus, inclination of the lower thigh and acromion during walking by severe knee osteoarthritis patients were more significantly increased than those of the other groups. Lateral thrust was related to the external rotation angular velocity the lower thigh during walking. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that knee osteoarthritis subjects have decreased angular velocity of external rotation of the lower thigh during walking, and that lateral thrust increased in accordance with the stage of pathology of knee osteoarthritis.