Athlete-Specific Considerations of Cartilage Injuries

Background: Cartilage injuries are a significant concern in the athletic population, particularly due to their prevalence in sports involving high-impact activities like football, basketball, and hockey. These injuries can result from acute trauma or chronic overuse, leading to pain, swelling, and joint dysfunction. Articular cartilage, which lacks direct blood supply and has limited self-repair capacity, presents unique challenges for treatment. Since athletes often rely on optimal joint function for performance, understanding the specific considerations related to cartilage injuries is essential for effective management and rehabilitation. Methods: This study reviews the current literature from ۲۰۱۰ to ۲۰۲۴ on cartilage injuries in athletes, emphasizing the pathophysiology of these injuries and the various available treatment methods. The authors conducted a systematic analysis of studies focusing on the incidence of cartilage injuries in different sports, the biomechanical outcomes of such injuries, and the effectiveness of various surgical and non-surgical interventions. Key factors influencing treatment outcomes were also identified, including the athlete's age, activity level, duration of symptoms, and history of previous injuries. Results: Findings indicate that cartilage injuries are common among athletes, with studies showing that up to ۵۰% of athletes undergoing knee surgery exhibit articular cartilage defects. The study highlights that acute traumatic injuries are often associated with ligament or meniscus damage, complicating the clinical picture. Current treatment strategies include microfracture techniques, osteochondral autograft transplantation (OATS), and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). Microfracture is one of the most commonly used methods due to its relative simplicity; however, it typically results in fibrocartilage rather than true hyaline cartilage. ACI and OATS have shown better long-term results but are more invasive and require longer recovery times. It is important to note that the success rates of these methods vary depending on the size and location of the lesion, with smaller lesions yielding better outcomes. Additionally, adherence to rehabilitation protocols significantly impacts recovery timelines and return-to-play rates. Conclusion: Specific athlete considerations in managing cartilage injuries are crucial due to their complex nature and impact on performance. While several surgical techniques exist to address these injuries, none can fully replicate the mechanical properties of healthy articular cartilage. Therefore, an appropriate approach that takes into account the athlete's needs, the characteristics of the injury, and the potential for rehabilitation to optimize outcomes is essential. Future research should focus on improving existing techniques and exploring new treatments that may enhance cartilage repair and regeneration.

کلیدواژه ها:

Cartilage injury ، Articular cartilage ، Athlete management ، Microfracture ، Osteochondral autograft transplantation (OATS) ، Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI)