Sports medicine stats: Osteoarthritis after ACL surgery
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.
A recent study followed patients who had undergone ACL reconstruction for 15 to 20 years after surgery to review the progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA) and changes in their symptoms and function. Evidence of arthritis was found in the tibio-femoral and patellofemoral compartments of the knee in 42% and 21%, respectively. Patients with ACL injuries and other combined injuries (meniscus or articular cartilage injuries) had significantly higher prevalence of arthritis changes compared with those who had isolated ACL injuries. A significant deterioration in knee symptoms and function was observed.
Source: American Journal of Sports Medicine, May 2016
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.
and changes in their symptoms and function. Evidence of arthritis was found in the tibio-femoral and patellofemoral compartments of the knee in 42% and 21%, respectively. Patients with ACL injuries and other combined injuries (meniscus or articular cartilage injuries) had significantly higher prevalence of arthritis changes compared with those who had isolated ACL injuries. A significant deterioration in knee symptoms and function was observed.