Clustering of Knee Joint Types Affected by the Degenerative- Dystrophic Process

Abstract

Aim: to characterize knee joints types affected by the degenerative-dystrophic process by clustering of morphological parameters determined in the frontal plane. Object and methods of research. 100 patients with degenerative knee joint diseases were examined. Mean age was 63.56±8.10 years. Among the morphological parameters, radiological indicators were assessed, including the anatomical axes of the femur (aLDFA), tibia (aMPTA) and the lower limb axis (FTA). Results. Morphotype I was identified in 21 (21.00%) patients, morphotype II in 38 (38.00%), morphotype III was observed in 29 (29.00%) individuals, morphotype IV in 12 (12.00%) patients. Statistically significant differences in the values of FTA (р<0.00001), aLDFA (p=0.0009), and aMPTA (p<0.00001) were observed among the formed groups. It was proven that an increase in the FTA is associated with a decrease in the aLDFA (τ=–0.29, p=0.00001) and increase in the aMPTA (τ=+0.67, p<0.00001). Significantly higher chances of developing morphotype II were observed in the presence of aLDFA values ≥84° (OR=5.09, CI 2.07–12.54, p=0.0002) and aMPTA ≤84° (OR=2.49, CI 1.07–5.82, p=0.03). Patients with an aLDFA of 79–83° (OR=3.50, CI 1.39–8.76, p=0.006) and an aMPTA of 85–90° (OR=8.34, CI 3.09–22.49, p=0.000006) had higher chances of developing morphotype III. A significantly higher likelihood of forming morphotype IV was observed in the presence of aLDFA values ≤78° (OR=21.50, CI 3.32–139.31, p=0.0009) and aMPTA values ≥91° (OR=86.00, CI 13.27–557.33, p<0.00000001). Conclusion. By clustering morphometric parameters determined in the frontal plane, we identified four morphological variants of the knee joint in cases of degenerative diseases.