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Some studies suggest that increased knee moment is associated with a higher risk of knee osteoarthritis due to factors like greater knee flexion, varus knee malalignment, and increased joint loading, while other studies indicate that a higher sagittal knee moment during walking may lower the risk of developing knee pain.
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Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone in the knee joint. It is a leading cause of pain and disability among older adults. One of the key factors implicated in the development and progression of knee OA is the mechanical loading of the knee joint, particularly during activities such as walking. This synthesis examines whether increased knee moments are a risk factor for knee osteoarthritis.
Increased Knee Adduction Moment (KAM) and OA Risk:
Knee Flexion Moment (KFM) and Pain:
Impact of Physical Workload and Obesity:
Post-Injury and Post-Surgery Changes:
Increased knee moments, particularly knee adduction moments, are strongly associated with the risk and progression of knee osteoarthritis. Elevated KAM is a significant predictor of cartilage loss and knee pain, while higher KFM may have a protective effect against pain development in older adults. High physical workload and obesity exacerbate the mechanical loading on the knee, further increasing OA risk. Post-injury and post-surgery changes in knee mechanics also contribute to the early onset and progression of knee OA. Therefore, managing knee joint loading through weight management, workload modification, and targeted interventions may help mitigate the risk of knee osteoarthritis.
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