May 2024 CME Activity: Effect of Knee Hyperextension on Femoral Cartilage Thickness in Stroke Patients-Effect of Knee Hyperextension on Femoral Cartilage Thickness in Stroke Patients

Effect of Knee Hyperextension on Femoral Cartilage Thickness in Stroke Patients

Pdf Summary

The study conducted by Korkusuz et al. aimed to investigate the impact of knee hyperextension on femoral cartilage thickness in stroke patients. Forty stroke patients were analyzed, with some having knee hyperextension while walking. Ultrasonography was used to measure femoral cartilage thickness on both paretic and nonparetic sides. The study found that in stroke patients with knee hyperextension, there was a decrease in medial femoral cartilage, intercondylar cartilage, and lateral femoral cartilage thickness on the paretic side compared to the nonparetic side. This difference was not observed in stroke patients without knee hyperextension. The results suggest that knee hyperextension during walking contributes to femoral cartilage degeneration in stroke patients.<br /><br />The study highlighted the significance of knee hyperextension as a common compensatory mechanism in stroke patients affecting their gait. The biomechanical changes due to knee hyperextension impacted the femoral cartilage thickness, indicating potential implications for joint health and function. The findings emphasized the importance of evaluating and addressing knee hyperextension in stroke patients to prevent potential cartilage degeneration and associated complications. Further research in this area could provide insights into interventions targeting knee hyperextension and cartilage health in stroke rehabilitation programs. The study's distinctive approach of grouping patients based on knee hyperextension status provided valuable insights into the relationship between knee mechanics and cartilage health in stroke patients.

Keywords

Korkusuz et al.

knee hyperextension

femoral cartilage thickness

stroke patients

ultrasonography

paretic side

nonparetic side

cartilage degeneration

biomechanical changes

joint health