Comparative evaluation of effect of heavy vehicle driving and other professions as causative factor of osteoarthritis of knee: An observational cross-sectional pilot study

Abstract

Background: Knee is subjected to constant stress during everyday activities. In various occupations, position influences its structure and function. Heavy vehicle driving is one such occupation that exerts strain on the musculoskeletal system of the body, especially knees. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of heavy vehicle driving as occupation on the structure of knee. Methodology: It is a comparative, cross-sectional observational study. Twenty-five heavy vehicle drivers and 25 persons of other occupations were included in the study. After history and clinical examination of both knees, range of motion (ROM) was calculated by goniometer. X-ray of both knees (anteroposterior and lateral views) was done. Assessment was done based on findings of X-ray, ROM, knee pain, and inflammation. Results: Pain, stiffness, crepitations, reduced joint space, painful and restricted movements, development of osteophytes, and subchondral sclerosis of knee joint were more in heavy vehicle drivers as compared to subjects of other occupations. Changes suggestive of osteoarthritis of knee changes were more in heavy vehicle drivers when compared with other occupations. Conclusion: Heavy vehicle drivers may suffer from degenerative changes in knee with respect to its anatomical structures and biomechanics when compared to other occupations. Duration of driving and daily driving hours was found to have influence on the health of knee.

Keywords

• ayurveda
• goniometry
• knee
• occupational diseases
• osteoarthritis
• range of motion
• sandhigata vata