Reproducibility analysis of knee circumference in individuals with osteoarthritis

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis presents pain, loss of function, and joint swelling as its main symptoms. The joint swelling is defined as an accumulation of fluid in the joint due to the inflammatory process that contributes to progressive joint damage; it causes limitation in the range of knee motion, decreases proprioception, and affects the functional capacity and the quality of life of the individual. The measurement of articular cartilage volume is essential in clinical practice. The measurement of knee circumference using a measuring tape is a widely used, inexpensive, and accessible technique. However, as it is considered subjective, there is no evidence to support its use. Objective: To examine the reproducibility of this technique in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Method: Participants underwent two evaluations performed by two independent raters, at different times. The measurement of knee circumference was performed using a measuring tape 150 cm in length, taking as reference the superior pole of the patella. Results: The knee circumferences of 114 individuals were measured. According to the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), we observed a strong correlation (ICC = 0.98) between raters. Conclusion: The use of a measuring tape as a resource to measure knee circumference in individuals with osteoarthritis is a reliable and reproducible method.

Mediating role of body mass index in knee osteoarthritis

“…This research shows that high BMI increases the progression of KOA and interferes with or mediates pain and knee circumference. Measuring joint volume is indispensable for physiotherapy intervention, as it quantifies the severity and the extension of the edema 13 …”

“…This study also provides a deeper understanding of the relationship between girth and ROM, which is found to be negative, suggesting that greater knee girth could be due to swelling, causing a considerable reduction in ROM. Physiotherapists generally tailor their interventions based on functional ability and not on structural findings, such as knee circumference; therefore, such understanding would enhance the effectiveness of interventions specific to treatment of this symptom, for example, rest, appropriate positioning, and elevation of the lower limb 13 …”

“…Clinical presentation of osteoarthritis is characterized by pain, edema, morning joint stiffness, muscular atrophy, and instability 12 . Knee circumference measures the articular volume and it quantifies the extension of the edema making it possible to measure the effectiveness of physical therapy intervention 13 . Obesity is also found to increase the development and progression of KOA 14, 15.…”

Effects of Low-Load Blood-Flow Restricted Resistance Training on Functional Capacity and Patient-Reported Outcome in a Young Male Suffering From Reactive Arthritis

“…A reduction in circumference from baseline to follow-up would represent less joint swelling. Assessing low-thigh circumference with a tape measure has previously been demonstrated to be reliable and reproducible in patients suffering from osteoarthritis (Silva et al, 2014 ).…”