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Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research article

A non-invasive, home-based biomechanical therapy for patients with spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee

Authors: Ehud Atoun, Amit Mor, Ganit Segal, Ronen Debi, Dan Grinberg, Yeshaiau Benedict, Nimrod Rozen, Yiftah Beer, Avi Elbaz

Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

The purpose of the current study was to examine the effect of a non-invasive, home-based biomechanical treatment program for patients with spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK).

Methods

Seventeen patients with SONK, confirmed by MRI, participated in this retrospective analysis. Patients underwent a spatiotemporal gait analysis and completed the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Short-Form-36 (SF-36). Following an initial assessment, patients commenced the biomechanical treatment (AposTherapy). All patients were reassessed after 3 and 6 months of treatment.

Results

A significant reduction in pain and improvement in function was seen after 3 months of therapy with additional improvement after 6 months of therapy. Pain was reduced by 53% and functional limitation reduced by 43%. Furthermore, a significant improvement was also found in the SF-36 subscales, including the summary of physical and mental scores. Significant improvements were found in most of the gait parameters including a 41% increase in gait velocity and a 22% increase in step length. Patients also demonstrated improvement in limb symmetry, especially by increasing the single limb support of the involved limb.

Conclusions

Applying this therapy allowed patients to be active, while walking more symmetrically and with less pain. With time, the natural course of the disease alongside the activity of the patients with the unique biomechanical device led to a significant reduction in pain and improved gait patterns. Therefore, we believe AposTherapy should be considered as a treatment option for patients with SONK.

Trial registration

Assaf Harofeh Medical Center Institutional Helsinki Committee Registry, 141/08; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00767780.
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Metadata
Title
A non-invasive, home-based biomechanical therapy for patients with spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee
Authors
Ehud Atoun
Amit Mor
Ganit Segal
Ronen Debi
Dan Grinberg
Yeshaiau Benedict
Nimrod Rozen
Yiftah Beer
Avi Elbaz
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1749-799X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-016-0472-0

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