Design and Experimental Radiographic Evaluation of Levitation‐Inspired Magnetically Assisted Knee Exoskeleton Model (L_IMِAEKE) for Primary Knee Osteoarthritis

ABSTRACT

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint condition, which is characterised by progressive loss of cartilage, joint space narrowing and increased mechanical loading during daily activities. The progression of KOA may be due to several factors: age, overweight, repetitive physical stress and prolonged mechanical overloading of the knee joint. Conventional unloading exoskeletons usually rely on rigid mechanical structures, which may limit comfort and adaptability. Therefore, the present research proposed a levitation_inspired magnetically assisted knee exoskeleton model (L_IMِAEKE) based on the principles of magnetic repulsion as a noninvasive biomechanical support approach. In the developed prototype, repulsive magnetic components were incorporated into the assisted knee exoskeleton model to provide support to relieve unloading whilst standing. The clinical assessment was performed using (AP_standing) radiographs of patients with primary knee OA without and during L_IMِAEKE prototype application. The quantitative estimate included measurements of (lateral and medial) joint space width (JSW) and total joint area derived from radiographic DICOM image examinations. Quantitative radiographic features demonstrated statistically significant increases in knee joint spacing (medial and lateral JSW) and joint area (JSA) during L_IMِAEKE prototype application (sig < 0.001), suggesting partial redistribution of weight loading across the knee joint under weight‐supporting conditions. The submitted study provides experimental radiographic substantiation of a novel biomechanical unloading approach using externally generated magnetic repulsion forces to contribute weight‐bearing assistance. The concept was evaluated using real patient data instead of simulation only analysis. The suggested approach may facilitate future enlargement of adaptive biomechanical offloading systems and patient‐specific orthopaedic and brace applications for knee OA management.