Changes and Associations Between Gait Biomechanics and Knee Inflammation After Aspiration and Glucocorticoid Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis.

Objective: Although knee inflammation is thought to adversely affect joint function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), the effects of reducing knee inflammation on gait biomechanics and strength are unknown. Our objectives were to compare ultrasound (US) measures of knee inflammation, gait biomechanics, knee extension and flexion strength, and pain before and after knee aspiration and glucocorticoid injection, and to explore associations among changes.

Methods: Forty-nine patients (69 knees) with symptomatic knee OA and synovitis were tested before and 3-4 weeks after US-guided knee aspiration and glucocorticoid injection.