Varus malalignment and its association with impairments and functional limitations in medial knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective. To examine the association of varus malalignment with impairments and functional limitations in people with medial knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. Anatomic radiographic knee alignment was assessed in 107 community volunteers with medial tibiofemoral knee OA. Impairments assessed included pain (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC]), quadriceps and hamstring isometric strength, and knee varus-valgus laxity. WOMAC, walking speed, step test, and stair climb test were used to assess functional limitations. Participants were categorized into tertiles according to knee alignment (least, moderate, and most varus). Impairments and functional limitations..