Title:Mechanical Injury of Knee Articular Cartilage in Sports-Related Exercise and Potential Post-Injury Preventative Therapy
Volume: 4
Issue: 2
Author(s): Jose Perez, Lee Kaplan and Chun-Yuh C. Huang
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Articular cartilage, impact injury, joint force, post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
Abstract: Background: Chronic overuse or acute injury to the knee has been determined to be a major
cause of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Studies have indicated an increased incidence of osteoarthritis in
athletes, with or without a history of significant knee injury.
Method: This review examines the relationship between physical activity and the onset of articular
cartilage damage, which may progress to OA. The contact forces and stresses sustained by the knee
joint during dynamic movement in sports is summarized, followed by exploring the potential correlation
between these contact loads and impact injury of articular cartilage. Finally, potential modalities to prevent the progression
of OA of mechanically injured cartilage are discussed. The articles regarding OA, contact forces and stresses in
dynamic movements, and prevention modalities of OA were identified in PubMed databases.
Results: Increases in physical demand on the body can have adverse effects on knee joint health, especially during high
contact stresses in sports. This was shown by various studies recording changes in knee joint biomarkers, cartilage deformation
rates, and cartilage volume after exposing knee joints to a variety of stresses including long distance running or
short-term high impact exercises. The data of joint contact force and stress previously reported have indicated a high risk
of cartilage injury in high impact sports. Some potential modalities may be able to prevent OA development after performing
high impact sport actives.
Conclusion: Changes in knee cartilage due to overuse or injury can lead to OA later on in life. Identifying the forces involved
at the onset of articular cartilage damage would allow physicians to pinpoint the early stage of articular cartilage
damage and provide proper preventive treatments to avoid OA development.
