Proprioceptive Involvement in the Knee Osteoarthritis and its Relation with Pain Severity and Radiologic Findings

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common rheumatologic diseases. Proprioception has a critical role in joint protection. This study was performed to evaluate the level of this sensation and its relation with pain and radiologic findings. Methods and Materials: Proprioception were determined in 25 patients (mean age of 59.2±7.0 years) with knee osteoarthritis and in 10 healthy people (mean age of 54.9±4.6 years), using isokinetic dynamometer at 30, 45 and 60 degrees. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index of Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) were used for determination of pain scale and Kellegren-Laverene was used for radiologic scale. Statistical study was performed by Mann-Whitney U Test and Spearman Correlation.

The mean level of angular error for right knee in patients and control groups were as the following, Succeedingly; 6.09±4.03 and 2.28±0.93 (P=0.05). For left knee they were 6.086±5.13 and 3.19±1.78respectively (P<0.05). The mean level of angular error in those with Radiologic findings of grade 2 and 3 were 5.4±4.2 and 6.83±3.46 respectively. There was no significant difference between of mean level of angular error and serving of pain by VAS & WOMAC (P=0.22) (P=0.18).

Proprioception involvement in knee osteoarthritis could increase the pressure and destructive process of knee joint, but its level of impairment is not correlate with the severity of pain and radiologic findings. It is important to improve Proprioception of the knee joint in each level of osteoarthritis.