Anatomical Axis on X-Ray and Its Relationship With Pain and Kinesiophobia in Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a common joint disease that causes pain, stiffness, and limitations in daily activities, especially in older adults. Changes in the alignment of the lower limb, called the anatomical axis, can increase the mechanical load on the knee joint and may affect pain and mobility. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the anatomical axis measured on knee X-rays and patients' pain levels, functional status, quality of life, and fear of movement (kinesiophobia).

This is a single-center, observational, cross-sectional study. Adult patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis who have a standard knee X-ray taken within the last 6 months and who volunteer to participate will be included. Pain will be measured with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional status with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), quality of life with the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and kinesiophobia with the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK). The femoro-tibial angle and joint space width will be measured on X-rays by two independent observers.

By examining the relationship between radiographic alignment and clinical findings, this study may provide new insights into the comprehensive evaluation of knee osteoarthritis and help guide treatment planning for patients.