Knee joint proprioception in aging, osteoarthritis, and postoperative orthopedic rehabilitation: Current evidence and future directions—a narrative review

Knee joint proprioception is an important component of sensorimotor control and contributes to balance, functional stability, and coordinated lower extremity movement.This narrative review summarizes current evidence on knee proprioception in aging, knee osteoarthritis, and postoperative orthopedic rehabilitation.Age-related sensory and neuromuscular changes may impair joint position and movement perception, while proprioceptive dysfunction in knee osteoarthritis may be associated with pain, effusion, muscle inhibition, and structural joint changes.Following total knee arthroplasty, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and meniscal surgery, alterations in afferent input and neuromuscular control may influence proprioceptive recovery.Clinical assessment should consider proprioception alongside balance, gait, muscle strength, and functional performance.Proprioceptive and neuromuscular exercises may support rehabilitation when they are individualized and integrated into strengthening and functional training.Wearable sensors, telerehabilitation, and other digital technologies offer opportunities for monitoring and personalization; however, limitations related to clinical validation, accessibility, patient adherence, and data privacy should be considered before widespread clinical implementation.