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

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.