The role of Biomechanical Alignment on Managing Knee Joint Osteoarthritis

Knee joint osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease where the knee's articular cartilage gradually deteriorates. This condition affects a large number of individuals globally and can result in substantial pain, restricted functionality, and alterations in joint structure.

Aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of biomechanical alignment for patients with knee joint OA.

Materials and Methods: 40 patients were participated in this study, their ages between 30-80 years, both female and male. The patients were diagnosed by Rheumatologists and Orthopedists regarding their knee pain. The participants are divided into two groups: group A is experimental group 20 patients who underwent usual OA treatment with biomechanical intervention and group B is control group 20 patients who underwent usual OA treatment of physiotherapy and medication. The data was collected at Rizgary Teaching Hospital and Erbil Teaching Hospital during the period December 2021 to july 2023.

Results: The results showed that both groups were effective in decreasing pain and improving physical functions, in the study group the average of overall post pain score (1.10) is lower than the average of pre pain score (2.9) and the mean difference is (1.8). In the control group the average of overall post pain score (1.80) is lower than the average of pre pain score (2.7) and the mean difference is (0.9). It means that the study group is more effectively treated than the control group.

Conclusion: The reduction of knee joint pain, improving physical activities and realign the malalignment of the knee joint after using lateral wedge outsole are demonstrated.