Quadriceps Muscle Mechanics and Knee Osteoarthritis - A 2022 Update

Abstract

Background: Knee joint osteoarthritis is a highly disabling disease with no distinct cause that persists unabated despite decades of research. Among the various possible causes and factors that influence the progression of the disease other than age and trauma may be various forms of muscle dysfunction, especially among the key knee extensor muscle group known as the quadriceps femoris. Aim: This narrative review strove to examine some pertinent past and recent 2022 research highlights in this respect and to offer possible research recommendations in this regard. Methods: To achieve the review aims, the PUBMED data base and others housing reports aligned with this topic was searched using the key words knee osteoarthritis and quadriceps/knee extensor muscles. Pertinent 2022 and related data were carefully examined and the study researchers’ approaches, conclusions, and recommendations were duly recorded. Results: Many diverse studies within the desired topical theme prevail, rendering it challenging to discern or extract any meaningful trend or conceptuality sound deterministic theory of causation or pathogenic osteoarthritis insights. Even in the realm where multiple publications are available on a single theme, conclusions and design approaches remain inconsistent and of possible moderate quality at best. Conclusion: Efforts to examine and intervene to avert one or more manifestations of quadriceps muscle dysfunction may prove to be highly important in the realm of favorably influencing or minimizing excess osteoarthritis knee joint dysfunction, regardless of whether knee extensor muscle dysfunction is a reactive, rather than a causative factor, but requires a more profound evidence base.