[Relationship between angular deformity and primary osteoarthritis of the knee. Review article]

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common disease and angular deformities are usually associated to this degenerative affection. Secondary causes of angular deformities are well known in the scientific literature, but there are not many articles about the relationship between angular deformities and primary osteoarthritis.

Objective: To deepen in the relationship between angular deformities and primary osteoarthritis of the knee.

Method: We conducted a literature review of a total of 300 articles in PubMed, Medline and Hinari locator information by EndNote, 52 of them were used and selected quotes to do the review, 47 of them in the last five years, including five books.

Development: A revision of important biochemical and biomechanics aspects were made in regards to the relationship between angular deformities and primary osteoarthritis of the knee. Causes of deformities according to the sagittal, coronal and rotational axis were taken into account. Factors related to deformities could be osseous or soft tissues of the knee joint.

Conclusions: Deformities of the knee in patients suffering from primary osteoarthritis are common and there are osseous and soft tissues causes to justified the presence of these deformities.

Keywords: Knee; angular deformity; incidence; osteoarthritis.