Varus-valgus laxity and passive stiffness in medial knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective. To compare differences in knee varus and valgus angular laxity and passive mechanical stiffness between asymptomatic knees and those with mild, moderate, and severe knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. A total of 127 participants with symptomatic medial tibiofemoral OA and 32 asymptomatic controls participated. OA knees were stratified according to radiographic severity. Varus-valgus laxity was evaluated using a customized dynamometer, providing continuous measurement of varus-valgus joint angle and torque. The following indices were calculated: 1) varus, valgus, and total angular laxity, 2) end-range varus and valgus stiffness, and 3) midrange stiffness. Results. There was no diffe..