Differential strength decline in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: revision of a hypothesis

A quadriceps-to-hamstring isometric peak torque ratio (Q/H ratio) of approximately 2.0 is considered necessary for appropriate knee biomechanics. Lower ratios may affectthe function of persons with osteoarthritis (OA) and the progression of the disease. This study examined theisometric Q/H ratio in subjects with and without OA of the knee and explored the effect of age, pain, and joint enlargement on the ratio. Twenty-one pairs of subjects (OA, control) were matched on age (X = 62.6 years; SD = 13.9), gender (F = 17, M = 4), and leg dominance (Dominant = 10, Nondominant = 11). Isometric quadriceps and hamstring peak torque, knee pain, and joint enlargement were measured. Paired t-tests demonstrated that the OA group had significantly lower quadriceps peak torque than the control group but did not have significantly lower hamstring peak torque or gravity-corrected isometric Q/H ratio. Age correlated with the ratio in subjects without OA (p = −0.46; P = 0.03) but not in subjects with OA. Pain was not significantly correlated with the ratio in either group. Joint enlargement correlated with the ratio in the OA group (p = −0.45; P = 0.03). The gravity-corrected isometric Q/H ratio appears to decrease with age in subjects without OA. In subjects with OA, the Q/H ratio appears not to change with disease, pain, or age. Joint enlargement may decrease the ratio and merits further study.     

Relative efficacy of hyaluronic acid in comparison with NSAIDs for knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

To assess the relative efficacy of intra-articular hyaluronic acid (IAHA) in comparison with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

We searched Medline, EMBASE, Google Scholar, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane Database from inception until February 2013. Randomized controlled trials comparing HA with NSAIDs for knee OA were included if they reported at least one pain outcome. Two reviewers abstracted data and determined quality. Outcomes included pain, function, and stiffness. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed.

Results

Five trials (712 participants) contributed to the pain analysis. Both groups showed improvement from baseline. The analysis found an effect size (ES) of −0.07 (95% CI: −0.24 to 0.10) at trial end, favoring neither treatment. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups at 4 and 12 weeks in function [ES = −0.08 (95% CI: −0.39 to 0.23)] or stiffness [ES = 0.03 (95% CI: −0.27 to 0.34)] analyses based on two trials. Injection site pain was the most common adverse event reported in the HA group, and gastrointestinal adverse events were more common in the NSAIDs group.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggests that IAHA is not significantly different from continuous oral NSAIDs at 4 and 12 weeks. Our study detected no safety concerns; however, the included trials had only a short follow-up duration. Given the favorable safety profile of IAHA over NSAIDs, this result suggests that IAHA might be a viable alternative to NSAIDs for knee OA, especially for older patients at greater risk for systemic adverse events.     

Isokinetic evaluation of knee extensor/flexor muscle strength in patients with hypermobility syndrome

Benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS) is a syndrome with musculoskeletal pain originating from the increased laxity of the joints and the ligaments. The study was to compare the isokinetic strength of knee extensor/flexor muscles of BJHS patients with healthy controls. Forty patients diagnosed as having BJHS with Brighton criteria and 45 years of age, height and weight-matched healthy controls were recruited for the study. Isokinetic testing was performed with isokinetic dynamometry of Biodex System 3Pro and measurements were recorded at knee extension/flexion pattern concentrically at 60, 180, and 240°/s angular velocities. The study group was also evaluated for functional impairment and pain by HAQ and VAS respectively. Knee extensor muscle strength was significantly lower in the patient group compared with the controls. It was hypothesized that the muscle weakness in the study group was related to lengthening of the quadriceps muscle and pain-related inactivity as well as joint instability and proprioception defect.     

全膝关节表面置换治疗老年严重膝骨关节炎的临床体会

目的作者报道了用全膝关节表面置换治疗老年性严重膝骨关节炎的临床体会。方法我院自１９９６年３月～１９９８年４月对１０例６０岁以上的严重膝骨关节炎的患者进行了全膝关节表面置换,均采用进口非限制性膝关节假体。结果经过６～３０个月随访,采用ＨＳＳ膝关节评分系统,术后所有患者在关节疼痛、功能及活动度均有明显改善,没有１例发生感染及深静脉栓塞。结论全膝关节表面置换对老年性严重膝骨关节炎治疗效果满意。     

The use of complementary health approaches among patients with knee osteoarthritis in Pakistan: A hospital based survey

Aim of the workThis study aimed to document the trends of complementary health approaches in Pakistani patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and consider them in relation to demographic factors.Patients and methodsA cross-sectional survey was carried out at the outpatient department, Armed Forces Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (AFIRM), Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Recruited patients fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria for KOA.ResultsOf 300 patients (mean age: 62 ± 10 years), majority were male (68%), in age group 61–70 years (37.3%), with monthly income <10.000 Pakistani Rupees (75.3%) and educational level from grade 6–10 (48%). Most patients were from urban areas (51.3%) belonging to the Punjab province (83.3%). Complementary health approaches were used by 45.3% of the patients. Most individuals used single therapy at a time (58.1%) and preferred therapeutic massage (63.2%). Nutritional supplements were used in 13.2%. Patients adopted these therapies chiefly based on self-knowledge (33.8%), primarily for pain relief (85.3%) and used them in combination with conventional medicines on a daily basis or at least five times a week (in 75%). The use of complementary health approaches was significantly more common in rural population (p = 0.023), in individuals who were illiterate or had education from grade 1–5 (p = 0.038) and individuals falling in age group of 41–50 years (p = 0.008).ConclusionsThe use of complementary health approaches is common in Pakistani KOA patients who are primarily rural-based, young and less educated. Massage is the preferred complementary health approach and most patients practice a single approach at a time in combination with conventional medicines.     

膝关节功能锻炼操的设计及应用

目的 探讨膝关节功能锻炼操对膝骨关节炎功能恢复的影响。方法 将48例膝骨关节炎患者随机分为观察组和对照组。在药物治疗、理疗的基础上,观察组采用自行设计的膝关节功能锻炼操行关节功能恢复训练,锻炼3周后,以Lequesne膝骨关节炎严重程度指数评分表对两组患者膝关节功能状态进行评估。结果 观察组Lequesne评分改善明显优于对照组。结论 膝关节功能锻炼操对膝骨关节炎患者膝关节功能恢复有显著促进作用,可在临床推广。     

Effects of quadriceps electrical stimulation program on clinical parameters in the patients with knee osteoarthritis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of electrical stimulation program on pain, disability, and quadriceps strength in the patients with knee osteoarthritis. Fifty women diagnosed as knee osteoarthritis were randomized into two groups as electrical stimulation and biofeedback-assisted isometric exercises. Both of the programs were performed 5 days a week, for a duration of 4 weeks. Outcome measures for pain were visual analogue scale pain score and Western Ontario McMaster osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) pain score. Disability and stiffness were assessed with WOMAC physical function and stiffness score. One repetition maximum (RM) and 10 RM were used for measuring quadriceps strength. In addition, 50 m walking time and 10 steps stairs climbing up-down time were evaluated. Both groups showed significant improvements in pain, physical function, and stiffness scores after the therapy. There were statistically significant improvements in 50 m walking time and 10 steps stairs climbing up-down time and 1 RM and 10 RM values indicating the improvement in muscle strength. In addition, there were no significant differences between the groups after the therapy. We conclude that electrical stimulation treatment was as effective as exercise in knee osteoarthritis and electrical stimulation treatment can be suggested especially for the patients who have difficulty in or contraindications to perform an exercise program.     

悬吊技术联合Mulligan手法对膝骨关节炎老年人群运动后疼痛的康复效果

目的 探究悬吊技术联合Mulligan手法用于膝骨关节炎老年人运动后膝关节疼痛康复的效果.方法 选取84例单侧膝关节运动后疼痛的膝骨关节炎老年患者,依据随机数字表法分为观察组和对照组,各42例.对照组给予常规物理治疗与悬吊训练治疗,观察组在对照组基础上给予Mulligan技术治疗.比较两组治疗开始前与治疗后视觉模拟评分(VAS)疼痛评分、QOL-BREF评分、LEFS下肢功能评分、膝关节功能评分、关节活动度、四头肌与腘绳肌肌力.结果 两组治疗后VAS评分明显降低(P<0.05),且观察组VAS评分明显低于对照组(P<0.05).两组治疗后QOL-BREF评分/LEFS评分、膝关节功能评分、关节活动度、四头肌与腘绳肌肌力较治疗前明显提高(P<0.05),且治疗后观察组QOL-BREF评分/LEFS评分、膝关节功能评分、关节活动度、四头肌与腘绳肌肌力明显高于对照组(P<0.05).结论 对于膝关节运动后疼痛的膝骨关节炎老年患者,悬吊技术联合Mulligan手法,能有效缓解膝关节疼痛、促进膝关节功能恢复,提高患者生活质量.     

A comparative study on the effect of the insole materials with subtalar strapping in patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee

This study was conducted to assess the symptomatic effects of the insole with an elevation of 12 mm composed of urethane (urethane insole) or of sponge rubber (rubber insole) with subtalar strapping in patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee (knee OA). The setting was an outpatient clinic. Eighty-four patients with knee OA were prospectively randomized, and evaluated and treated with the urethane or rubber insole for 4 weeks. Randomization was performed according to birth date and each participant was categorized into the urethane group or the rubber group. The percentage of remission of Lequesne index of severity for knee OA was compared between urethane and rubber insole groups at the conclusion of the study. Participants were asked to report adverse effects of use of the respective insoles. The percentage of remission was significantly improved in the urethane insole group (n = 42) compared with the rubber insole group (n = 42) (P = 0.001). Adverse effects were more common in the rubber insole group (17 out of 42, 40.5%) than in the urethane insole group (8 out of 42, 19.0%), and this was statistically significant (P = 0.028). The inserted insole in combination with subtalar strapping had a more natural form-fit to the sole than the insole insert alone. In our study of the subtalar strapping insole, an insole composed of urethane, was more comfortable than that of rubber sponge. Potential conflict of interest: Dr. Toda owns a patent, U.S. Patent No. 6,585,674 B2, for the insole with subtalar strapping used in this study. The abstract of this work was presented at the 48th General Assembly and Scientific Meeting of the Japanese College of Rheumatology at Okayama, Japan, in 2004.     

A comparative study on the effect of the insole materials with subtalar strapping in patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the symptomatic effects of the insole with an elevation of 12?mm composed of urethane (urethane insole) or of sponge rubber (rubber insole) with subtalar strapping in patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee (knee OA). The setting was an outpatient clinic. Eighty-four patients with knee OA were prospectively randomized, and evaluated and treated with the urethane or rubber insole for 4 weeks. Randomization was performed according to birth date and each participant was categorized into the urethane group or the rubber group. The percentage of remission of Lequesne index of severity for knee OA was compared between urethane and rubber insole groups at the conclusion of the study. Participants were asked to report adverse effects of use of the respective insoles. The percentage of remission was significantly improved in the urethane insole group (n = 42) compared with the rubber insole group (n = 42) (P = 0.001). Adverse effects were more common in the rubber insole group (17 out of 42, 40.5%) than in the urethane insole group (8 out of 42, 19.0%), and this was statistically significant (P = 0.028). The inserted insole in combination with subtalar strapping had a more natural form-fit to the sole than the insole insert alone. In our study of the subtalar strapping insole, an insole composed of urethane, was more comfortable than that of rubber sponge.     

How do marginal osteophytes, joint space narrowing and range of motion affect each other in patients with knee osteoarthritis

To assess the number, location, direction and size of osteophytes and the change of the joint space width (JSW) in radiographs of the tibiofemoral (TF) joint in middle-aged people with longstanding knee pain with radiographic osteoarthritis (OA), and to correlate between the range of motion (ROM). In the format of a retrospective study, the OA of both knee in 84 people, 8 men and 76 women (aged 42–77 years), with chronic knee pain at inclusion were examined. The JSW of the TF joint and the number, location, direction and size of osteophyte were evaluated using a PA view in weightbearing. The location and direction of osteophytes showed some variation at each site, particularly at the lateral tibial plateau and medial femoral trochlea. Significant correlations were found between ROM of the right and left knee and the size, location and direction of the most osteophytes. In both knees, the JSW medially was lower when compared with the lateral compartment. The mean JSW in the lateral tibiofemoral compartment of the right knee was associated with active and passive flexion degree of the patients. The mean JSW in the medial and lateral tibiofemoral compartment of the left knee correlated with BMI, and changes in the Kellgren and Lawrence grade of the patients. There was found statistically significant correlation between mechanical medial proximal tibial angle and the osteophyte size of the right and left knee. We think that definitions which incorporate both osteophytes and joint space narrowing offer the association with worsening of active and passive ROM.     

History of knee surgery is associated with higher prevalence of neuropathic pain-like symptoms in patients with severe osteoarthritis of the knee

Objective

Neuropathic pain (NP) mechanisms contribute to the pain experience in osteoarthritis (OA). We aimed to characterise the factors that contribute to NP-like symptoms in knee OA patients.

Patients and methods

A total of 139 patients with knee OA were recruited from secondary care, and completed a nurse- administered PainDetect questionnaire (PD-Q ), a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain intensity, and the Western Ontario MacMaster questionnaire (WOMAC). Cases with any previous history of total joint replacement were excluded.

Results

Almost 75% of patients had non-zero PD-Q scores, and 34% had PD-Q scores corresponding to possible NP. No association was seen between PD-Q scores and duration of symptoms, gender, and radiographic severity. Possible NP was strongly associated (p < 1 × 10⁻³) with worse quality of life scores, worse sleep scores, higher pain intensity, worse WOMAC pain, stiffness and function scores. A history of previous knee surgery (arthroscopy, ligament repair or meniscectomy) was strongly associated with possible NP (odds ratio [OR] = 6.86; 95% CI = 1.78–26.43; p < 0.005). This association remained statistically significant after adjustment for pain intensity (OR = 6.37; 95% CI = 1.55–26.11; p < 0.010) whereas an association between history of knee surgery and the other measures of pain was found to be mediated by PD-Q scores.

Conclusions

NP-like symptoms are highly prevalent in patients with clinically severe painful OA and are a significant contributor to decreased quality of life and higher pain intensity. The cross-sectional association with previous history of knee surgery suggests that some of the NP-like symptoms may result from nerve damage.     

Effects of exercise on knee joints with osteoarthritis: A pilot study of biologic markers

Objective . To determine the effects of low intensity weight-bearing exercise on osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Methods . Synovial fluid keratan sulfate (KS) and hydroxyproline were measured as markers of cartilage degradation. The Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales (AIMS) were used to measure health status, and a visual analog scale for pain assessment was used before and after intervention. An exercise (EX) group (n = 15) received a thrice-weekly 12-week low intensity exercise program and a weekly educational program, and a minimal treatment (Min RX) group (n = 15) received only the education program. Results . Pain levels declined in the EX group, and the Min RX group showed improvement on the AIMS. Synovial fluid was obtained in 11 subjects before and after the intervention. Levels of KS and hydroxyproline did not change. Conclusion . Further study of exercise effects should include both clinical and biologic parameters to examine the outcome of exercise as a therapeutic intervention in OA of the knee.     

Risk factors for knee osteoarthritis in Morocco. A case control study

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is the most common form of arthritis. A positive association between obesity and several occupational factors and knee OA has been observed in previous studies in populations of different ethnicity. The aim of this study was to examine the relation between knee OA and body weight and occupational factors in a Moroccan sample of patients with knee OA. Our cases were consecutive patients diagnosed in our department with knee OA utilizing radiography in a 1-year period. No cases displayed established causes of secondary OA. Controls were selected randomly from the general population and were individually matched to each case for age and sex. Interviews were obtained from 95 cases and controls. Detailed information on general health status, height, weight, smoking habits, specific physical loads from occupation and housework, and sports activities was collected. The risk of knee OA increased with higher body mass index, odds ratio (OR) = 3.12 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.67–5.81; p < 0.0001). Sitting more than 3 h/day and climbing stairs more than 50 steps/day were associated with decreased risk of knee OA, OR = 0.29 (95% CI = 0.15–0.56; p = 0.02) and 0.48 (95% CI = 0.26–0.91; p < 0.0001), respectively. Overweight is a risk factor for knee OA, whereas sitting and climbing stairs are inversely associated with knee OA.     

Association of metabolic syndrome with knee and hand osteoarthritis: A community-based study of women

Objective

It is unclear whether the association between osteoarthritis (OA) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) varies with the site of the affected joint and the presence of pain. Our aim was to describe the association between MetS and radiographic OA (ROA) affecting the knee or the hand in the presence or absence of concurrent joint pain.

非甾体抗炎药联合肌松剂治疗膝关节骨关节炎的临床研究

目的对比研究非甾体抗炎药(NSAIDs)联合肌肉张力松弛剂与传统单纯NSAIDs治疗老年膝关节骨关节炎(OA)的临床疗效。方法门诊选取膝关节骨关节炎患者129例,随机分组,单盲给药,联合用药组和两个对照组各43例。联合用药组给予环氧化酶-2(COX-2)抑制剂罗非昔布及肌肉张力松弛剂盐酸乙哌立松,另两组分别单独给予罗非昔布和盐酸乙哌立松。比较三组用药后临床症状改善情况并作统计学分析。结果经8周治疗后平均Womac关节炎指数评分和平均OA严重程度指数改善联合用药组均显著优于两单独用药组。联合用药组显效率较另两组高,差异有显著性(P<0.05)。结论通过两种不同药理作用的联合———NSAIDs的抗炎作用与肌松剂的缓解疼痛及痉挛作用,可使膝关节骨关节炎的临床疗效得到进一步提高。     

软骨病变征象对膝骨关节炎诊断的价值

目的　从骨关节炎临床特征中寻找出提示软骨病变最敏感的指标 ,将其结合到原有的美国风湿病学会 (ARA)膝骨关节炎分类标准中 ,探讨增加新标准后对膝骨关节炎诊断敏感性及特异性的影响。方法　先回顾 115例行膝关节置换或关节镜检查确诊的膝骨关节炎病人 ,比较其临床表现、影像学及手术所见 ,发掘提示软骨退变最敏感指标 ,并将它们添加到ARA分类标准中而视之为新标准。再分别用原ARA膝骨关节炎分类标准和我们提出的新标准对 112例行膝关节置换或关节镜检查的成年病人进行诊断 ,对不同标准的敏感性和特异性进行比较。结果　临床特征的比较得出膝关节广泛压痛与膝软骨退变、交锁的症状或研磨试验阳性与半月板损伤高度相关。用现有ARA临床分类标准诊断膝骨关节炎敏感度为 39 7% ,加入新项目后临床诊断的敏感度提高至 70 6 % (P <0 0 0 5 ) ;现有ARA临床与临床加放射学结合的总的分类标准诊断敏感度为 70 6 % ,包含新增项目的总的分类标准敏感度达 83 8% (P <0 0 0 5 )。四者特异度分别为 88 6 % ,79 5 % ,84 1%和 77 3% (P>0 0 5 )。结论　将关节广泛压痛和交锁的症状或研磨试验阳性两项增加到膝骨关节炎ARA分类标准中后 ,可提高膝骨关节炎诊断敏感性 ,而特异性不下降     

Lack of benefit of a primary care-based nurse-led education programme for people with osteoarthritis of the knee

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the commonest cause of locomotor disability and forms a major element of the workload of the primary care team. There is evidence that patient education may improve quality of life, physical functioning, mental health and coping as well as reducing health service use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a primary care-based patient education programme (PEP) using a randomised controlled trial. A cluster randomised controlled trial, involving 22 practices, was used to determine the efficacy of a nurse-led education programme. The programme consisted of a home visit and four 1-h teaching sessions. Patients were assessed at baseline and then 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post intervention using 36-item Short Form (SF-36), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), arthritis helplessness index and a patient knowledge questionnaire. Direct interviews were used at baseline and at the 12-month follow-up. There were no differences in depression, OA knowledge, pain or physical ability at either 1 month or 1 year between the two groups. Control practices (65 patients from 12 practices) recruited significantly fewer patients than intervention practices (105 patients from ten practices, p=0.02). Control practices had more doctors (p=0.02), more non-white patients (p=0.007), fewer patients living alone (p=0.005) and lower levels of disability (p=0.008). We detected a lack of benefit of PEP for people with OA of the knee. This was thought to be due in part to the short intervention time employed and the heterogeneous nature of the disease and the population studied.