MN is a 52 year old male with history of knee pain for 15 years who visited us back in November 2005, came in today for a follow up. Patient initially was consulted  regarding his right knee. His  complaint at that point was a severe limp..

Patient's past medical history is significant due to history of Arthroscopy of right knee; he is other wise healthy. In November, 2005, patient sought a possible alternative to knee replacement and further surgery.  His physical exam noted substantial tenderness, mostly at the medial aspect of the right knee.

An X-ray on the left (Nov.2005) showed massive Osteoarthritis. A follow up X-ray was taken Oct. 23, 2006  (right, above). Today he is feeling much better, currently active and working a job that requires prolonged standing and walking.

discussion:

Limping follows the laws of compensation.

Limping is caused by asymmetric abnormality of the gait, due to experiencing painful walking, uneven leg lengths, muscle weakness and atrophy, disorders of proprioception, and stiff and edematous knee conditions.  Descriptive terms commonly used for limping due to painful walking are “antalgic gait,” or “trendelenburg".