The KneeKG systemAn “electrocardiogram” for the knee now more accessible to health care professionals |  |
Montreal, May 17, 2010 — A larger number of health care professionals can now access the KneeKG , a revolutionary new tool that assesses the biomechanics of the knee. In addition to being available at the Centre du genou Emovi, the KneeKG system is now also available at the Action Sport Physio clinic in downtown Montreal in collaboration with Emovi's medical team of orthopedists and doctors specializing in musculoskeletal problems. Health professionals can therefore refer patients with osteoarthritis, tendonitis, ligament or meniscal injuries to this clinic to optimize diagnoses or treatment plans thanks to the unique data that this system provides on the condition of the knee in motion.
Analyzing the knee in motion to improve case managemen
The KneeKG is a new non-invasive, reliable, and validated test that evaluates the biomechanical function of the knee for active patients. This diagnostic tool is meant specifically for patients with knee pain due to mechanical factors or an unknown cause. The exam helps reveal the root of knee problems stemming from such pathologies as patellofemoral syndrome, ligament lesions, the onset of osteoarthritis, or tendonitis. This test helps health professionals understand the biomechanical problem, focus their investigation, direct treatment, and pinpoint when and why patients should be referred to a specialist.
Unique and valuable information for doctors
Currently, knee exams are mainly performed through medical imaging such as X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests have their limits, however, as they only provide static images. The KneeKG performs 3D, real-time analysis of the knee in motion, all while the knee is bearing a load. Although the KneeKG does not replace X-ray or MRI tests, it does give doctors new data that allows them to better understand the causes of movement-related symptoms. “With this technology, we can identify difficult biomechanical problems that are sometimes difficult to see with other tests currently available. The test helps doctors identify the causes of pain and better direct additional investigation, if necessary, and possible treatments. Eventually we might potentially delay, or even avoid, surgery thanks to first-line treatment that is better focused and that prevents the patient's condition from deteriorating,” said orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Guy Grimard. “Doctors now have another tool in their treatment arsenal,” added Dr. Grimard.
An “electrocardiogram” for the knee
Developed by the team of Jacques de Guise, Researcher at the CRCHUM, Director of the Laboratoire de recherche en imagerie et orthopédie, and Professor at the ÉTS, the KneeKG, is like an electrocardiogram for the knee. It is made up of a harness equipped with electromagnetic motion sensors.
Attached to the tibia and femur, it gives precise information on the joint, mechanics of the knee in all of its axes as the patient walks on a treadmill or performs squats. This technology has been certified by Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.