Thesis (M.CM)--Hong Kong Baptist University, 2006. / Dissertation submitted to the School of Chinese Medicine. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 55-64).

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol. inst., 2003. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Linköping : University, 2003. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

The aim of this thesis was to establish the long-term outcomes of the Oxford medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (OUKA), define patient selection criteria and to develop and externally validate an evidence based method of patient selection for this procedure. In the hands of the developer surgeons, outcomes following medial OUKA were found to be good with an implant survival of 94% (95%CI 92 to 96) at ten-years and 91% (95%CI 83 to 98) at fifteen-years. Across the published literature, however, variation in outcomes was observed with a meta-analysis of published series of OUKA finding estimates of ten-year survival ranging from 57% to 100%, mean 88% (95%CI 85 to 90). It was identified that both increased surgical caseload (volume) and increased surgical usage (proportion of primary knee arthroplasty that are OUKA), a surrogate marker of indications, were associated with improved outcomes. Surgical usage, however, was more important, with good results following OUKA seen with high surgical usage, representing broad indications, independent of the surgical volume. This finding, coupled with differences in patient demographics and failure mechanisms between usage groups, highlighted that differences in indications for OUKA may explain the variability in outcomes observed. One reason surgeons may have a low usage is if they apply previously recommended patient factor contraindications based on age (<60 years), weight (≥82kg) and activity level (high activity). When disease factors are standardised, however, it was found that patients with these previously reported contraindications often actually did better than those without, and outcomes of knees implanted where all these factors were present were as good as where none were present. Therefore, the decision to proceed with OUKA should be based on the pathoanatomy of disease. Optimal candidates for OUKA should have full-thickness cartilage loss, with bone on bone arthritis, in the medial compartment, as knees with partial thickness cartilage loss were found to have worse functional outcomes and almost three-times the reoperation rate, predominantly for unexplained pain. Provided there was full-thickness preserved cartilage laterally and functionally normal ligaments, the presence of lateral osteophytes and the macroscopic status of the anterior cruciate ligament was not found to influence outcomes, nor did the presence of patellofemoral joint disease (with the exception of lateral facet disease with bone loss and grooving) or anterior knee pain. The pathoanatomy of disease can be identified radiologically, however, standing knee radiograph were found to perform poorly. To identify medial compartment full-thickness cartilage loss either a varus stress radiograph or fixed flexion radiograph, both at 20° flexion and aligned to the joint surface, were identified as the optimum views. To confirm preserved lateral compartment full-thickness cartilage a valgus stress radiograph at 20° flexion, aligned to the joint surface, was identified as the most appropriate technique. As stress radiographs are time and resource consuming, a novel stress device was developed in line with the IDEAL-D framework and validated against the gold standard of manual, clinician performed stress radiographs, as well as independently tested in clinical practice. Finally, to simplify patient selection, an atlas based Decision Aid, combined with a structured radiographic assessment, was developed and externally validated with an accuracy of over 90% at identifying suitability for OUKA. The routine use of this approach would be expected to standardise patient selection and ultimately translate into improved long-term outcomes.

Abstract  Background One of the earliest signs of knee osteoarthritis (OA) is knee pain which correlates with inflammation and disease severity. Knee OA affects 260 million worldwide, and is in similarity with obesity, characterized by ongoing low-grade inflammation. The low grade-inflammation affects the knee-joint area and associations to cartilage degradation and bone remodelling have been shown. Most individuals, however, seek medical care for the first time when they experience knee pain. At this stage, the destruction of the knee is often irreversible. The inflammatory marker C-reactive can be found in both individuals who are obese and individuals with knee OA. It would be beneficial for the many individuals with knee pain at risk of developing knee OA, to be identified at an earlier stage and start treatment and hence slow down the progression of the disease.  Purpose  The purpose was to study associations between obesity, low-grade inflammation, self-reported knee symptoms and the outcome of radiographic knee OA in Swedish individuals with knee pain. Three research questions were formulated. Methods The design of this two-year longitudinal cohort study included Swedish individuals with present knee pain. Data was used to assess obesity and analyse inflammation to determine presence and/or severity of radiographic knee osteoarthritis and evaluate long- and short-term and symptoms and function of the knee. Original data were retrieved from the Cohort profile: the Halland osteoarthritis (HALLOA) cohort–from knee pain to osteoarthritis: a longitudinal observational study in Sweden. Individuals were recruited from healthcare clinics and newspaper advertisement. Age ranged from 32–63 and included data from 60 individuals after two years. Obesity was assessed where body composition was analysed with a bioelectrical impedance analysis. Level of C-reactive protein (CRP) was analysed with ELISA method. The outcome of radiographic knee OA was graded with Ahlbäck classification system in combination with physical examinations of the knees. Self-reported knee symptoms and function were measured with the questionnaire knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS). The data were analysed with the statistical computer software IBM SPSS Statistics.  Results No significant associations were found between the obesity, low-grade inflammation and the outcome of radiographic knee OA in Swedish individuals with knee pain. However, significant associations were found between the odds of developing radiographic knee OA assessed with KOOS for the subgroups pain (p = 0.032), symptom (p = 0.016), Sport/Rec (p = 0.02) and QOL (p = 0.038).  Conclusion KOOS questionnaire should be used for individuals with knee pain to identify individuals at risk of developing knee OA and ensue the disease progression, along with exercise and weight reduction if needed. CRP is not a good marker to measure inflammation in knee OA or use as a predictor tool.

Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da palmilha em cunha medial na osteoartrite (OA) com joelho valgo. Método: 30 mulheres com OA de joelhos e deformidade em valgo > 8 graus, foram randomizados em 2 grupos: o experimental, que utilizou palmilha com elevação medial no retropé de 8 mm (n = 16) e o controle que usou uma palmilha similar, sem elevação (n = 14), e em ambos associou-se um estabilizador de tornozelo. Um examinador cego avaliou dor noturna, ao movimento e ao repouso (Escala Visual Analógica), índice de Lequesne e questionário WOMAC, e os ângulos femurotibial, talocalcâneo e de inclinação do talus, no início e após 8 semanas de uso das palmilhas. Resultados: No grupo experimental, houve redução da dor ao repouso (5,06 + 2,29 vs 2,73 + 2,40, p = 0,002), ao movimento (8,13 + 1,50 vs 4,20 + 2,36, p = 0,001), e noturna (6,06 + 2,74 vs 3,13 + 2,07, p = 0,001), Lequesne (14,75 + 3,36 vs 9,60 + 3,83, p = 0,001 ) e WOMAC (74,13 + 14,20 vs 56,13 + 14,94, p = 0,001). No grupo controle, houve apenas uma leve redução da dor noturna (5,79 + 2,39 vs 4,64 + 2,38, p = 0,019). Houve um aumento do ângulo femurotibial no grupo experimental (169,05 +3,43 vs 170,81 + 3,73, p = 0,001). Os demais ângulos permaneceram inalterados em ambos os grupos. Conclusão: O uso de palmilha em cunha medial foi eficaz no controle da osteoartrite do joelho valgo. / Objective: To assess the efficacy of medial-wedge insole in valgus knee osteoarthritis (OA). Method: 30 females with valgus deformity knee OA > 8 degrees were randomized into 2 groups: an experimental group, which used insoles with medial elevation at the hindfoot of 8 mm (n = 16), and a control group which used a similar insole without elevation (n = 14), where both groups also wore ankle supports. A blinded examiner assessed pain on movement, at rest and at night (Visual Analog Scale), the Lequesne index and WOMAC questionnaire, along with femorotibial, talocalcaneal and talar tilt angles, at baseline and following 8 weeks? insole use. Results: Reductions were observed in the experimental group for pain at rest (5.06 + 2.29 vs 2.73 + 2.40, p = 0.002), on movement (8.13 + 1.50 vs 4.20 + 2.36, p = 0.001), at night (6.06 + 2.74 vs 3.13 + 2.07, p = 0.001), and in Lequesne (14.75 + 3.36 vs 9.60 + 3.83, p = 0.001 ) and WOMAC scores (74.13 + 14.20 vs 56.13 + 14.94, p = 0.001). For the control group, only a slight reduction in night pain was seen (5.79 + 2.39 vs 4.64 + 2.38, p = 0.019). There was an increase in the femorotibial angle in the experimental group (169.05 +3.43 vs 170.81 + 3.73, p = 0.001). The other angles remained unchanged in both groups. Conclusion: The use of medial-wedge insoles proved effective in controlling symptoms of valgus knee osteoarthritis

Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da palmilha em cunha medial na osteoartrite (OA) com joelho valgo. Método: 30 mulheres com OA de joelhos e deformidade em valgo > 8 graus, foram randomizados em 2 grupos: o experimental, que utilizou palmilha com elevação medial no retropé de 8 mm (n = 16) e o controle que usou uma palmilha similar, sem elevação (n = 14), e em ambos associou-se um estabilizador de tornozelo. Um examinador cego avaliou dor noturna, ao movimento e ao repouso (Escala Visual Analógica), índice de Lequesne e questionário WOMAC, e os ângulos femurotibial, talocalcâneo e de inclinação do talus, no início e após 8 semanas de uso das palmilhas. Resultados: No grupo experimental, houve redução da dor ao repouso (5,06 + 2,29 vs 2,73 + 2,40, p = 0,002), ao movimento (8,13 + 1,50 vs 4,20 + 2,36, p = 0,001), e noturna (6,06 + 2,74 vs 3,13 + 2,07, p = 0,001), Lequesne (14,75 + 3,36 vs 9,60 + 3,83, p = 0,001 ) e WOMAC (74,13 + 14,20 vs 56,13 + 14,94, p = 0,001). No grupo controle, houve apenas uma leve redução da dor noturna (5,79 + 2,39 vs 4,64 + 2,38, p = 0,019). Houve um aumento do ângulo femurotibial no grupo experimental (169,05 +3,43 vs 170,81 + 3,73, p = 0,001). Os demais ângulos permaneceram inalterados em ambos os grupos. Conclusão: O uso de palmilha em cunha medial foi eficaz no controle da osteoartrite do joelho valgo. / Objective: To assess the efficacy of medial-wedge insole in valgus knee osteoarthritis (OA). Method: 30 females with valgus deformity knee OA > 8 degrees were randomized into 2 groups: an experimental group, which used insoles with medial elevation at the hindfoot of 8 mm (n = 16), and a control group which used a similar insole without elevation (n = 14), where both groups also wore ankle supports. A blinded examiner assessed pain on movement, at rest and at night (Visual Analog Scale), the Lequesne index and WOMAC questionnaire, along with femorotibial, talocalcaneal and talar tilt angles, at baseline and following 8 weeks? insole use. Results: Reductions were observed in the experimental group for pain at rest (5.06 + 2.29 vs 2.73 + 2.40, p = 0.002), on movement (8.13 + 1.50 vs 4.20 + 2.36, p = 0.001), at night (6.06 + 2.74 vs 3.13 + 2.07, p = 0.001), and in Lequesne (14.75 + 3.36 vs 9.60 + 3.83, p = 0.001 ) and WOMAC scores (74.13 + 14.20 vs 56.13 + 14.94, p = 0.001). For the control group, only a slight reduction in night pain was seen (5.79 + 2.39 vs 4.64 + 2.38, p = 0.019). There was an increase in the femorotibial angle in the experimental group (169.05 +3.43 vs 170.81 + 3.73, p = 0.001). The other angles remained unchanged in both groups. Conclusion: The use of medial-wedge insoles proved effective in controlling symptoms of valgus knee osteoarthritis

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol. inst., 2004. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Introdução: Os corticosteroides intra-articulares (IA) são amplamente utilizados no tratamento da osteoartrite (OA) de joelho, porém é desconhecido qual dentre estes agentes é o mais eficaz. Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar a eficácia das infiltrações IA de triancinolona hexacetonida (TH) e de acetato de metilprednisolona (AM) na OA de joelho. Pacientes e Métodos: Pacientes com OA sintomática de joelho, graus II ou III de Kellgren-Lawrence, foram randomizados para receber uma única infiltração IA com 40mg de TH ou AM. As avaliações clínicas foram realizadas nas semanas 4, 12 e 24. O desfecho primário do estudo foi a melhora da dor do joelho pelo paciente por escala visual analógica (EVA) da visita basal à semana 4. Os desfechos secundários incluíram a avaliação global da doença pelo paciente e pelo médico, o questionário de osteoartrite Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC), o índice de Lequesne e o critério de resposta Outcome Measures in Rheumatology and Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OMERACT-OARSI). Na análise estatística, foram empregadas equações de estimativa generalizada, com estatística de Wald para contrastes do tipo 3 e ajustes de Tukey-Kramer para comparações múltiplas. Resultados: Cem pacientes foram incluídos na população com intenção de tratar, 50 em cada braço do estudo. Uma melhora significativa na dor pela EVA foi observada na semana 4 para ambos os grupos (P < 0,0001), não havendo diferença entre eles (P=0,352). Esta melhora foi sustentada até a semana 24. Uma melhora significativa em relação à avaliação basal foi observada na avaliação global da doença pelo paciente e pelo médico, no questionário WOMAC e no índice de Lequesne, não havendo diferença entre os grupos. A melhora nos desfechos secundários de avaliação foi sustentada durante o estudo, exceto para a avaliação global da doença pelo paciente. O critério de resposta OMERACT-OARSI foi alcançado por 74% e 72% dos pacientes dos grupos TH e AM, respectivamente. Conclusão: TH e AM são igualmente eficazes na OA de joelho, e a melhora na dor e na função física pode ser sustentada por até 24 semanas / Introduction: Intra-articular (IA) corticosteroid injections are broadly used in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA), but it is unknown which of these agents is the most effective. Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of triamcinolone hexacetonide (TH) and methylprednisolone acetate (MA) IA injections in knee OA. Patients and Methods: Patients with symptomatic knee OA, Kellgren-Lawrence grades II or III, were randomized to receive a single IA injection with 40mg of TH or MA. Evaluations were performed at 4, 12 and 24 weeks. The primary outcome of the study was to evaluate the improvement in the patient\'s knee pain by visual analogue scale (VAS) from baseline to week 4. Secondary outcomes included the global assessment of the disease by the patient and the physician, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis questionnaire (WOMAC), the Lequesne index and the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology and Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OMERACT-OARSI) criteria of response. Generalized estimating equations with Wald statistics for type 3 contrasts and Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison adjustment were employed in statistical analysis. Results: The intention-to-treat population included one hundred patients; 50 in each study arm. A significant improvement in pain by VAS was observed at week 4 for both groups (P<0.0001), with no difference between them (P=0.352). This improvement was sustained up to week 24. A significant improvement from the baseline was observed for the patients\' and the physicians\' global assessments, WOMAC questionnaire, and Lequesne index, with no differences between the groups. Improvements in the secondary outcomes were sustained during the study, except for the patients\' global assessment of disease. OMERACT-OARSI criteria of response was achieved by 74% and 72% of patients in the TH and the MA groups, respectively. Conclusion: TH and MA are equally effective in knee OA and improvement in pain and physical function can be sustained for up to 24 week

Introdução: A osteoartrite de joelho (OAJ) é uma doença prevalente, associada a significante morbidade, caracterizada por sua cronicidade, evolução lenta e progressiva. Os principais objetivos das intervenções em pacientes com OAJ são redução da dor e melhora da capacidade funcional e dentre as intervenções os exercícios são amplamente recomendados. A literatura aponta carência de ensaios clínicos que verifique o efeito do fortalecimento dos músculos do quadril em pacientes com osteoartrite de joelho. Dessa forma, o objetivo da presente pesquisa foi analisar os efeitos da adição do fortalecimento dos músculos abdutores versus adutores do quadril a um programa de fortalecimento, terapia manual e alongamento dos membros inferiores na intensidade da dor e capacidade funcional em pacientes com osteoartrite sintomática de joelho. Métodos: Foi realizado um ensaio clínico aleatorizado, grupo paralelo, distribuição equilibrada e avaliador cego. Sessenta e seis participantes foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: Grupo Abdutores do Quadril (GABQ, n = 33) e Grupo Adutores do Quadril (GADQ, n = 33). Os participantes foram submetidos a um programa de tratamento fisioterapêutico por seis semanas consecutivas (12 atendimentos). Ambos os grupos realizaram aquecimento sistêmico em bicicleta ergométrica, alongamento de isquiotibiais, quadríceps femoral, tríceps sural, abdutores e adutores do quadril, terapia manual articular e miofascial para o joelho, fortalecimento de quadríceps femoral, isquiotibiais e tríceps sural. Além disso, o GABQ realizou mais três exercícios para abdutores do quadril e o GADQ realizou mais três exercícios para os adutores do quadril. Os desfechos clínicos avaliados foram: intensidade da dor avaliada pela Escala Numérica de Dor (END), capacidade funcional subjetiva pela Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) e Questionário de Lequesne, percepção da evolução clínica pela Escala de Percepção do Efeito Global e, avaliação da mobilidade funcional pelo Teste de Levantar e Caminhar Cronometrado e Teste Sentar-Levantar. Resultados: A comparação entre os grupos nos desfechos primários após seis semanas de intervenção não apresentou diferença significativa na intensidade da dor (diferença média = -1,15, IC 95% -2,44 - 0,12, TE = -0,40), domínio dor no KOOS (diferença média = 1,64, IC 95% -6,79 - 10,07, TE = 0,23) e domínio função nas atividades diárias no KOOS (diferença média = -0,12, IC 95% -8,78 - 8,54, TE = 0,05). Não houve diferença nos desfechos secundários em seis semanas e seis meses entre os grupos com pequeno tamanho do efeito. Na análise isolada de cada grupo, foi encontrada melhora significativa em todos os desfechos clínicos em seis semanas e seis meses, apenas o grupo GABQ não apresentou melhora no TGUG após intervenção. Conclusão: A adição do fortalecimento dos músculos abdutores e adutores do quadril a um programa geral de fortalecimento de membros inferiores em pacientes com osteoartrite de joelho, trouxe melhora significativa na intensidade da dor e capacidade funcional, porém, não houve diferença entre os grupos. Frente esses achados, o fisioterapeuta poderá tomar decisão clínica para fortalecimento do grupo muscular do quadril mediante sua avaliação e necessidade dos pacientes / Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent disease associated with pain and functional incapacity and is characterized by chronicity and a slow, progressive evolution. The main objectives of KOA interventions are pain reduction and functional capacity improvement, and exercise is one of the most widely recommended of these interventions. The literature points to a lack of clinical trials to verify the effectiveness of hip muscle strengthening in patients with KOA. The present study aimed to compare the effects of adding hip abductor and adductor muscle exercises to a program of strengthening, manual therapy, and lower limb stretching on pain intensity and functional capacity in patients with symptomatic KOA. Methods: A randomized, parallel-group clinical trial was performed. Sixty-six participants were randomly assigned to either the hip abductor group (HABG, n = 33) or the hip adductor group (HADG, n = 33). All participants underwent standard physiotherapeutic treatment for six consecutive weeks (12 visits) that included 1) systemic warm-up on a stationary bicycle, 2) stretching of the hamstring, quadríceps femoris, sural triceps, and hip abductors and adductors, 3) manual joint and myofascial therapy for the knee, and 4) strengthening of the quadriceps femoris, hamstrings, and triceps sural. Participants in HABG performed three additional exercises for hip abductors and participants in HADG performed three additional exercises for hip adductors. A blinded evaluator collected the following clinical endpoint data: pain intensity assessed by the Numerical Pain Scale (NPS), subjective functional capacity assessed by the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Lequesne\'s Algofunctional Index, perception of clinical evolution assessed by the Global Effect Perception Scale, and functional mobility evaluated by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test and Sit-to-Stand Test. Evaluations were performed at six weeks post baseline assessment and six month followup. Results: There were no between-group differences after six weeks of intervention for pain intensity to the NPS (mean difference = -1.15, 95% CI [-2.44, 0.12], ES = -0.40), KOOS-Pain (mean difference = 1.64, 95% CI [-6.79, 10.07], ES = 0.23) and KOOSFunction (mean difference = -0.12, 95% CI [-8.78, 8.54], ES = 0.05). There were nobetween-group differences in secondary outcomes at either six weeks post baseline assessment and six month follow-up, and effect sizes were small. In an isolated analysis of each group, a significant improvement was found for all clinical outcomes at six weeks and six months, and only HABG did not show improvement in the TUG Test after intervention. Conclusion: The addition of hip abductor and adductor muscle strengthening to a general lower limb strengthening program in patients with KOA significantly improved pain intensity and functional capacity, but there was no difference between the groups. Faced with these findings, physiotherapists should make clinical decisions to strengthen hip muscles based on individual evaluation and patient needs