Clinical Outcomes of Knee Osteoarthritis with or without Sacroiliac Dysfunction

[Background] Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) significantly contributes to pain and impairment in the elderly, with a connection between the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) and the knee joint; nevertheless, its relationship with clinical knee outcomes is still little investigated. [Objective] To examine the clinical outcomes of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) with and without sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain. [Methods] A cross-sectional study was carried on forty patients of both sexes with moderate knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Their ages ranged from 45 to 62 years. They were assigned into two equivalent groups: Group A included 20 patients with KOA and SIJ pain; Group B consisted of 20 individuals with KOA without SIJ pain. Every patient was evaluated for knee pain using the numerical rating scale (NRS), quadriceps muscle strength using the Lafayette handheld dynamometer (HHD), physical function using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and frontal lower limb alignment using photogrammetric measurement of the tibiofemoral angle (TFA). [Result] A notable difference between the two groups was observed in knee pain (P<0.001), function (P=0.03), quadriceps strength (P=0.04), and TFA (P=0.007). [Conclusion] Patients with KOA concomitant with SIJ dysfunction typically have poorer clinical results. These findings underscore the importance of considering the SIJ as a potential source of knee discomfort and functional impairment. A more thorough approach to the examination and treatment of lower limbs may improve outcomes in this complex population.