Disease and Health Research: Recent Developments Vol. 4

Knee–spine syndrome describes the coexistence and biomechanical interaction of degenerative disorders affecting the knee and lumbar spine, particularly in older adults. Degeneration or deformity in either region may alter posture, gait, pelvic orientation, lumbar lordosis, and lower-limb alignment, producing compensatory changes throughout the hip–pelvis–spine–knee kinetic chain. Knee flexion contracture associated with osteoarthritis may contribute to posterior pelvic compensation and reduced lumbar lordosis, whereas sagittal spinal imbalance may promote compensatory knee flexion to maintain an upright posture. Because symptoms arising from knee osteoarthritis and lumbar degenerative disease may overlap, identifying the predominant source of pain and functional limitation can be challenging. Evaluation therefore requires a detailed clinical examination together with appropriate standing knee, lower-limb, and spinal imaging, with magnetic resonance imaging or neurophysiological investigations used selectively when neurological pathology is suspected. Initial management generally includes conservative measures directed at the predominant symptomatic disorder. When surgery is required, treatment sequencing should consider neurological urgency, the severity of knee deformity, predominant symptoms, and overall sagittal alignment. Total knee arthroplasty can correct knee deformity and may improve some pelvic and global compensatory parameters, although established degenerative spinal abnormalities and lumbar lordosis may show limited correction. Comprehensive assessment of both the knee and spine is therefore important for appropriate treatment planning and realistic functional expectations.