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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Open Access 01-12-2008 | Research article

Clinical knee findings in floor layers with focus on meniscal status

Authors: Søren Rytter, Lilli Kirkeskov Jensen, Jens Peter Bonde

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2008

Abstract

Background

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of self-reported and clinical knee morbidity among floor layers compared to a group of graphic designers, with special attention to meniscal status.

Methods

We obtained information about knee complaints by questionnaire and conducted a bilateral clinical and radiographic knee examination in 134 male floor layers and 120 male graphic designers. After the exclusion of subjects with reports of earlier knee injuries the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of knee complaints and clinical findings were computed among floor layers compared to graphic designers, using logistic regression. Estimates were adjusted for effects of body mass index, age and knee straining sports. Using radiographic evaluations, we conducted side-specific sensitivity analyses regarding clinical signs of meniscal lesions after the exclusion of participants with tibiofemoral (TF) osteoarthritis (OA).

Results

Reports of knee pain (OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.5–4.6), pain during stair walking (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.3–3.9) and symptoms of catching of the knee joint (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.4–5.7) were more prevalent among floor layers compared to graphic designers. Additionally, significant more floor layers than graphic designers had clinical signs suggesting possible meniscal lesions: a positive McMurray test (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.1–5.0) and TF joint line tenderness (OR = 5.4, 95% CI = 2.4–12.0). Excluding floor layers (n = 22) and graphic designers (n = 15) with radiographic TF OA did not alter this trend between the two study groups: a positive McMurray test (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.0–4.9), TF joint line tenderness (OR = 5.0, 95% CI = 2.0–12.5).

Conclusion

Results indicate that floor layers have a high prevalence of both self-reported and clinical knee morbidity. Clinical knee findings suggesting possible meniscal lesions were significant more prevalent among floor layers compared to a group of low-level exposed graphic designers and an association with occupational kneeling could be possible. However, causality cannot be confirmed due to the cross-sectional study design.

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2474/9/144/prepub

Title: Clinical knee findings in floor layers with focus on meniscal status
Authors: Søren Rytter
Lilli Kirkeskov Jensen
Jens Peter Bonde
Publication date: 01-12-2008
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2008
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-9-144

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Clinical knee findings in floor layers with focus on meniscal status

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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