Study of Corrective Treatments for Knee Misalignment in Osteoarthritis Patients Using Imaging and Gait Analysis

What this Trial Is About

Osteoarthritis OA is the most common joint disease, characterized by the progressive breakdown of cartilage, new bone growth, and often swelling of joint tissue. This causes pain and reduced joint function, leading to disability. Misalignment of the lower limbs, such as varus or valgus knees, increases the risk of developing and worsening OA. The study aims to better understand how two corrective treatments, high tibial osteotomy HTO surgery and braces, affect bone and cartilage in people with knee OA, as current knowledge about treatment failures and bone changes is limited. Participants will receive either HTO surgery, which shifts load from damaged cartilage areas to healthier ones, or use braces that realign the lower limb without surgery. The study includes 10 patients undergoing HTO and 20 patients receiving braces. Advanced imaging techniques like photon counting CT PCCT and MRI scans will be done before treatment and at 6, 12, and 24 months afterward to assess bone and cartilage changes. Gait analysis will also measure joint forces before treatment and at 12 months post-treatment to understand load shifts and mechanical stresses on the knee. Throughout the 24-month study, participants will have multiple visits for imaging and gait assessments to track changes in bone microstructure, mechanical properties, and cartilage composition. Researchers will evaluate bone remodeling, cartilage proteoglycans, collagen, and load distribution in the knee. This detailed monitoring aims to clarify how the treatments influence knee joint health over time, supporting better management of knee OA and its progression.

Altered Joint Mechanics and Biological Response in Osteoarthritic Knees.