Ultrasonography Analysis of Knee Range of Motion and the Quadriceps Femoris of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

[Purpose] This study was designed to compare ultrasonic images of knee extension range of motion and the quadriceps femoris between a healthy elderly group and a knee osteoarthritis group. [Methods] The study subjects were 30 healthy elderly people and 30 elderly people diagnosed as having knee osteoarthritis. Their knee extension range of motion in a prone position was measured with goniometer and muscle density and white area index was measured by transverse images of the rectus femoris and vastus medialis in a flexion position with the knee bent at 90 degrees using ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. [Results] There were significant differences in the knee extension range of motion and in muscle density and white area index of the rectus femoris and vastus medialis between the thalthy elderly and knee osteoarthritis groups. [Conclusion] There were significant differences in the knee extension range of motion of healthy elderly people and knee osteoarthritis subjects, and the quadriceps femoris played an important role in the knee function of knee osteoarthritis.