The pathogenesis of muscle inflammation in knee osteoarthritis and its effect on gait and muscle function

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People with knee osteoarthritis (OA) often have leg muscle weakness and difficulty moving and walking. Impaired muscular performance is a major determinant of daily function and disability. However, it is not known if loss of muscle mass and strength in knee OA occurs as an indirect result of reduced limb use, or if muscle itself is a direct target of the degenerative processes active in OA. Given that personal mobility is an essential factor for healthy independent living of those who suffer from this chronic degenerative condition, research into the preservation of muscle mass is essential for developing successful therapy to restore and maintain effective limb use. In this study we aim to determine the effect of muscle inflammation on muscle function and impaired walking pattern relative to OA joint degeneration.