Radiographic correlation between femorotibial mechanical axis deviation and early knee osteoarthritis in young and middle aged adults

Authors

  • Luisangela Bolívar Hospital Militar Universitario "Dr. Carlos Arvelo"
  • Martín Abreu Radiodiagnóstico. Hospital Militar Universitario "Dr. Carlos Arvelo"

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37910/RDP.2026.15.2.e459

Keywords:

Artrosis de rodilla, Desviación del eje mecánico, Alineación femorotibial, Kellgren-Lawrence

Abstract

Objective: To determine the relationship between mechanical axis deviation and early knee osteoarthritis according to the Kellgren-Lawrence scale (KL 1-2) in young and middle-aged adults. Methods: A descriptive, observational and retrospective study was conducted on 72 patients (144 knees). Analysis of weight-bearing long-leg radiographs (tele-radiographies) was performed to measure Mechanical Axis Deviation and the Mechanical Femorotibial Angle (mFT/HKA). Statistical analysis included Spearman's correlation, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression. Results: to measure Mechanical Axis Deviation correlated positively with osteoarthritis (ρ = 0,414), while mFT/HKA correlated negatively (ρ = -0,387). Varus alignment was linked to medial compartment damage; age and pain were significant predictors. Conclusion: Mechanical axis deviation, particularly varus, is a strong predictor of early knee osteoarthritis, highlighting the need to assess alignment in early diagnosis.

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References

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Published

2026-08-01

How to Cite

Bolívar, L., & Martín Abreu. (2026). Radiographic correlation between femorotibial mechanical axis deviation and early knee osteoarthritis in young and middle aged adults. Revista Digital De Postgrado, 15(2), e459. https://doi.org/10.37910/RDP.2026.15.2.e459

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