Knee-Spine Syndrome: Management Dilemma When Knee Osteoarthritis Coexists With Spine Degeneration.

The elderly present with progressive degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee and lumbar spine degeneration (LSD). The coexistent conditions when presented concurrently become challenging for the clinicians and surgeons, as well as determining the predominant source of the underlying pain generation factor. The concurrent presentation of a significant knee and low back pain poses challenges in decision-making for treatment with management being normally individualized. The review narrates the different concepts used for the assessment of knee-spine syndrome. The prime factor for the pain needs to be ascertained by evaluating the deformity of the lumbar spine and the knees to address the causative factor appropriately. A thorough history, detailed examination, and supplemental diagnostic testing will differentiate the clinical entities and guide the treatment. However, a misdiagnosis may need a secondary site surgery and further treatment to alleviate the pain. Clinicians have been challenged while differentiating between the knee and spine pathology to target prime pain generator factors for adequate pain relief, improved functional outcomes, and substantial patient satisfaction. We present our strategy for the management of knee-spine syndrome. The protocols utilized to manage the clinical scenario have been reviewed and discussed. Clinical pearls to identify and treat the symptomatic concurrent knee-spine degeneration are presented. There is still a lack of consensus on the concurrent knee-spine degenerative pathology and its management strategy. The dilemma persists, and a case-based approach needs to be adopted by surgeons.