The relationship between urinary C-Telopeptide fragments of type II collagen, knee joint load, pain, and physical function in individuals with medial knee osteoarthritis.

Objective: Considering the osteoarthritis (OA) model that integrates the biological, mechanical, and structural components of the disease, the present study aimed to investigate the association between urinary C-Telopeptide fragments of type II collagen (uCTX-II), knee joint moments, pain, and physical function in individuals with medial knee OA.

Methods: Twenty-five subjects radiographically diagnosed with knee OA were recruited. Participants were evaluated through three-dimensional gait analysis, uCTX-II level, the WOMAC pain and physical function scores, and the 40m walk test.

The role of hip abductor strength on the frontal plane of gait in subjects with medial knee osteoarthritis.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship of hip abductor strength with external hip and knee adduction moments, pain and physical function, and trunk, pelvis, and hip kinematics in the frontal plane during walking in subjects with medial knee osteoarthritis.

Methods: Twenty-five subjects with medial knee osteoarthritis were evaluated through an isokinetic strength test for hip abductor, three-dimensional gait analysis (kinetics and kinematics), and pain and physical function scores. Regression models were used to control the influence of other parameters such as pain, age, gender, severity, walking speed, mass, and height.

The relationship between external knee moments and muscle co-activation in subjects with medial knee osteoarthritis.

Purpose: External knee moments are reliable to measure knee load but it does not take into account muscle activity. Considering that muscle co-activation increases compressive forces at the knee joint, identifying relationships between muscle co-activations and knee joint load would complement the investigation of the knee loading in subjects with knee osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to identify relationships between muscle co-activation and external knee moments during walking in subjects with medial knee osteoarthritis.

Outcome mapping for health system integration.

Health systems around the world are implementing integrated care strategies to improve quality, reduce or maintain costs, and improve the patient experience. Yet few practical tools exist to aid leaders and managers in building the prerequisites to integrated care, namely a shared vision, clear roles and responsibilities, and a common understanding of how the vision will be realized. Outcome mapping may facilitate stakeholder alignment on the vision, roles, and processes of integrated care delivery via participative and focused dialogue among diverse stakeholders on desired outcomes and enabling actions.

Frontal plane corrective ability of a new unloader orthosis for medial compartment of the knee.

Background: Patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee suffer from pain and stiffness. However, current unloader braces are not being used for extended periods by knee osteoarthritis patients due to interface problems, so compliance is an issue. The aim of this study was to design a new bespoke orthosis that could be comfortable to wear while also providing the required correction to reduce medial compartment loading.

Effect of an antipronation foot orthosis on ankle and subtalar kinematics.

Introduction/purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the effect of an antipronation foot orthosis on motion of the heel relative to the leg and explore the individual contributions of the ankle and subtalar joints to this effect.

Methods: Five subjects were investigated using invasive intracortical pins to track the movement of the tibia, talus, and calcaneus during walking with and without a foot orthosis.

Results: The antipronation foot orthosis produced small and unsystematic reductions in eversion and abduction of the heel relative to the leg at various times during stance.