DINAMICS OF KNEE JOINT SPACE ASYMMETRY ON X-RAY AS A MARKER OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS REHABILITATION EFFICACY

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• Radiology
• Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

• Knee joint osteoarthritis involves uneven loss of articular cartilage and lower limb axis changes.
• Current X-ray methods for knee joint space lack symmetry calculation, limiting biomechanical imbalance analysis.
• Connective tissue and muscle dysfunction contribute to osteoarthritis progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize knee joint radiological examination by developing an X-ray knee joint space asymmetry index.
• To evaluate the efficacy of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (ESWT) in knee joint osteoarthritis using the new index.

Main Methods:

• Developed and applied a novel X-ray knee joint space asymmetry index calculation method.
• Assessed ESWT efficacy in 30 patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2-3 knee osteoarthritis.
• Utilized podometric surveys to analyze load distribution changes before and after treatment.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant decrease in the X-ray knee joint space asymmetry index was observed post-ESWT (0.22 to 0.12).
• Significant improvements in foot load distribution asymmetry were noted after therapy.
• Patient outcomes were largely positive, with 93% reporting "excellent" or "good" results.

Conclusions:

• The novel X-ray knee joint space asymmetry index effectively quantifies changes in articular surface congruency.
• This index provides a valuable tool for assessing treatment effectiveness and guiding individualized osteoarthritis management.
• ESWT demonstrates positive radiological and biomechanical effects in knee joint osteoarthritis.