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Knee joint laxity in a native Canadian Indian population
Daniel K Steinitz1, Edward J Harvey, Gregory K Berry
1Department of Surgery, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC.
Summary
Native Canadians exhibit significantly greater joint laxity compared to non-Native Canadians. This increased joint hypermobility may predispose this population to osteoarthritis and other joint ailments.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Clinical observations suggest increased joint laxity in Native Canadians.
- Joint hypermobility is linked to osteoarthritis and other joint ailments.
- This predisposition could have significant health implications for the Native population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively assess and compare knee laxity between Native Canadians and non-Native Canadians.
- To investigate the prevalence of joint hypermobility in Native Canadians.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 52 Native Canadians (NC) and 52 non-Native Canadians (NNC) with no prior knee injury or symptoms.
- Bilateral knee examinations included objective laxity measurements using the KT-1000 tensiometer and subjective assessments.
- Ligamentous stability was evaluated through various clinical tests.
Main Results:
- Native Canadians demonstrated significantly greater knee laxity on both sides across all ligament grading (p < 0.0001).
- KT-1000 measurements showed significantly greater displacement in the NC group for all applied forces (p < 0.0001).
- Increased prevalence of pivot shift, collateral ligament opening, and posterior cruciate drawer test was observed in the NC group (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- This prospective study confirms significant joint hypermobility in the studied Native Canadian population.
- The findings highlight a potential increased risk for joint pathology, including osteoarthritis, in Native Canadians due to inherent joint laxity.