Medial and lateral foot loading and its effect on knee joint loading
Verena Schwachmeyer1, Ines Kutzner1, Jan Bornschein1
1Julius Wolff Institute, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)
|July 6, 2015
Summary
Medial foot loading significantly reduced medial knee forces in patients with gonarthrosis. Lateral foot loading increased these forces, suggesting medial loading may be a beneficial gait modification.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
- Gait Analysis
Background:
- Unilateral gonarthrosis progression may be slowed by reducing medial knee contact forces.
- The precise effects of altered foot loading on knee forces remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo effects of medial versus lateral foot rollover on knee contact forces.
- To determine if modified foot loading can alter medial knee compartment loading.
Main Methods:
- Five subjects with instrumented knee implants walked on a treadmill.
- Subjects used acoustic feedback for pronounced medial or lateral foot loading.
- Knee contact forces (Fres, Fmed, Fmed/Fres) were calculated from implant data.
Main Results:
- Lateral foot loading increased peak knee contact forces (Fres) by 12-20% and medial forces (Fmed) by 16-17%.
- Medial foot loading slightly altered Fres but decreased force distribution, reducing Fmed by an average of 18%.
- Kinematic adaptations like increased ankle eversion and step width accompanied medial loading.
Conclusions:
- Medial foot loading consistently reduced medial knee compartment forces, indicating potential benefit for medial gonarthrosis.
- Increased medial forces during lateral loading may stem from muscular co-contractions.
- Long-term gait training could enhance efficiency and reduce co-contractions.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Knee Joint
3.7K
The knee joint is the most complicated joint in the body. It consists of three articulations– two tibiofemoral and one patellofemoral. As is characteristic of synovial joints, the knee joint has a thin articular capsule that partially surrounds this joint cavity. Additionally, several ligaments, muscles, and cartilaginous structures support the movement of the knee.
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris...
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris...
3.7K
01:16Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella
9.3K
The femur is the body's longest and strongest bone spanning the thigh region. Its head articulates with the acetabulum of the hip bone to form the hip joint. A minor indentation on the medial side of the femoral head, called the fovea capitis, serves as the site of attachment for the ligament of the head of the femur. This weak ligament spans the femur and acetabulum and supports the hip joint. The narrowed region below the head is the neck of the femur. The inclination angle between the...
9.3K
01:10Ankle Joint
3.7K
The ankle is formed by the talocrural joint (crural = leg). It consists of the articulations between the talus bone of the foot and the distal ends of the tibia and fibula of the leg. The superior aspect of the talus bone is square-shaped and has three areas of articulation. The top of the talus articulates with the inferior tibia. This is the portion of the ankle joint that carries the body weight between the leg and foot. The sides of the talus are firmly held in position by the articulations...
3.7K
01:28Muscles of the Leg that Move the Foot and Toes
4.9K
The human leg comprises an intricate system of muscles that facilitate the movement of feet and toes. Within this system, the muscles are categorized into the anterior, lateral, and posterior compartments, each with a unique set of muscles carrying out specific functions.
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment includes muscles that contribute to the dorsiflexion of the foot. This compartment houses the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles....
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment includes muscles that contribute to the dorsiflexion of the foot. This compartment houses the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles....
4.9K
01:10Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula
15.0K
The tibia is the main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg. It is larger than the fibula with which it is paired. The tibia is also the second longest bone in the body and is located right below the skin. The proximal end of the tibia forms the medial and the lateral condyle, which articulates with the condyles of the femur to form the knee joint. Between the articulating surfaces is the irregular elevated area known as the intercondylar eminence that serves as the inferior attachment point for...
15.0K
01:23Muscles that Move the Leg
6.4K
The movement of the legs is facilitated by numerous muscles located within the anterior, medial, and posterior compartments of the thigh.
Anterior Compartment
The quadriceps femoris, the most visible muscle of the anterior compartment, is integral for leg extension and thigh flexion. It is formed by merging four distinct muscles — the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris. The quadriceps tendon, a shared tendon of the four quadriceps muscles, is affixed...
Anterior Compartment
The quadriceps femoris, the most visible muscle of the anterior compartment, is integral for leg extension and thigh flexion. It is formed by merging four distinct muscles — the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris. The quadriceps tendon, a shared tendon of the four quadriceps muscles, is affixed...
6.4K