Abstract
Study Design: A prospective instrumental study design. Objectives: In this study, the validity of a device was investigated. Background: Frontal tibiofemoral malalignment is a predisposing factor for developing gonarthrosis. In a previous study a repositioning device was developed to clinically measure frontal tibiofemoral alignment. This device appeared to be more accurate than the conventional method. Case description: This study has examined three types of measurement: conventional method, repositioning device and a bilateral full-leg standing radiograph (Rx). We compared the results of the repositioning device and the conventional method to Rx. To determine the validity of the new repositioning device, n = 41 patients under 18 years of age were included in this study. They all underwent a standing Rx in their history. Outcome: In our study we found a negative correlation between the repositioning device and the already known Rx. Conclusion: The repositioning device was validated, but is not accurate enough to replace Rx. However, physiotherapists can use this device to obtain a more accurate clinical measurement of frontal tibiofemoral alignment.
Highlights
Frontal tibiofemoral alignment is a clinically important entity as frontal tibiofemoral malalignment is a predisposing factor for developing gonarthrosis [1,2,3,4,5]
Case Description: This study has examined three types of measurement: conventional method, repositioning device and a bilateral full-leg standing radiograph (Rx)
Frontal knee alignment was measured three times using different methods: the conventional method, the WRD and the Rx, where the Rx will function as the control/golden standard
Summary
Frontal tibiofemoral alignment (i.e. genu varum, normal or genu valgum) is a clinically important entity as frontal tibiofemoral malalignment is a predisposing factor for developing gonarthrosis [1,2,3,4,5]. In some studies [11,12], a correlation was observed between developing genu varum and an increased sports activity during growth. All these factors suggest it is important to clinically detect and follow up frontal tibiofemoral malalignment of the knee in children with increased sports activity in order to detect early onset of gonarthrosis
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