Sports medicine stats: Cartilage damage in the knees of prospective NFL players
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
The annual prevalence of knee injuries was found to be 54% among athletes who attended the annual NFL Combine. The prevalence of full-thickness articular cartilage defects of the knee identified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was found to be 20%. 8% of NFL Combine attendees had multiple cartilage lesions in the knee, 4% had isolated lateral femoral condyle lesions, 5% had isolated patellofemoral chondral damage, and 3% had isolated medial femoral condyle lesions. Risk factors for cartilage injuries are having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30.5, weight greater than 222.5 lbs, and playing the linebacker position.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
The annual prevalence of knee injuries was found to be 54% among athletes who attended the annual NFL Combine. The prevalence of full-thickness articular cartilage defects of the knee identified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was found to be 20%. 8% of NFL Combine attendees had multiple cartilage lesions in the knee, 4% had isolated lateral femoral condyle lesions, 5% had isolated patellofemoral chondral damage, and 3% had isolated medial femoral condyle lesions. Risk factors for cartilage injuries are having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30.5, weight greater than 222.5 lbs, and playing the linebacker position.