Knee joint laxity in a native Canadian Indian population.

Background: Clinical observation of increased laxity has been noted in native Canadians. Comparative studies support the possible relationship between joint hypermobility and the development of osteoarthritis or other joint ailments. If joint laxity predisposes to osteoarthritis, there may be far-reaching consequences to the general Native population.

Methods: A cohort of 52 Native Canadians (NC) and 52 non-Native Canadians (NNC) were evaluated for knee laxity. All patients had no prior history of knee injury or complaints of symptoms related to knee pathology at the time of the examination. Bilateral knee examination was performed. Objective laxity was measured using the KT-1000 tensiometer. Subjective findings were also recorded.

Results: Comparison for instability between the groups (NC and NNC) revealed that the NC group had significantly greater laxity on both right and left sides for all knee ligament grading (p < or = 0.0001). The values for displacement during KT-1000 measurements were significantly greater in the NC group for all forces (p < or = 0.0001). Presence of all the following were also significantly greater in the NC group: pivot shift (p < or = 0.001); medial and lateral collateral ligament opening (p < or = 0.001); posterior cruciate drawer test (p < or = 0.001).

Interpretation: This prospective matched cohort reveals that there is a significant joint hypermobility in this Native Canadian population.