Varus-valgus knee laxity is related to a higher risk of knee osteoarthritis incidence and structural progression: data from the osteoarthritis initiative.

Compared with no laxity, severe laxity predicts higher KOA incidence in subjects with risk factors. Either mild or severe laxity increases KOA structural progression. Varus-valgus laxity could become a potential predictor and therapeutic target of KOA. Key points • Severe knee laxity predicts higher KOA incidence. • Mild or severe knee laxity increases medial joint space narrowing and malalignment in KOA patients. • Intervention in varus-valgus laxity might be promising in the prevention and management of KOA.