The Effect of Extensor Muscle Strength on Meniscus Progression in Subjects Without Radiologic Knee Osteoarthritis -- Data From the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Abstract BackgroundHigh extensor strength decreased knee osteoarthritis symptomatic progression in female was well demonstrated. However, few studies detected a significant association between extensor strength and structural progression when joint space narrowing or cartilage loss were the indicators. The pathological change in meniscus could come earlier than that in cartilage and JSN, but no studies have specifically investigated the association between extensor strength and meniscus progression. MethodsParticipants in Osteoarthritis Initiative with both muscle strength and meniscus assessment, KL grade ≤ 1, and BMI < 30, were enrolled. In separate-sex analysis, participants were divided into the high strength group and the low strength group referring to the median baseline maximum extensor muscle strength/weight. Overall and classified meniscus progression in MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score was compared between the two groups, at 12 months (622 knees) and 24 months (548 knees). ResultsIn females, less overall medial meniscus progression (11.1% [17/153] VS 23.2% [32/138], P=0.04), less medial meniscal medially extrusion (5.2 % [8/155] VS 12.5 % [18/144], P =0.04), and less medial meniscal anteriorly extrusion progression (0 % [0/108] VS 5.3% [6/113], P=0.03), was presented in the high strength group over 24 months. No significant difference was detected in other comparisons (in males, or in lateral meniscus, or in 12 months). Conclusion High baseline extensor strength in females was associated with a decreased risk of 24- month medial meniscus progression. High extensor strength does not only correlate with less symptomatic progression of KOA, but also with lower risk of structural progression.