Meniscus Injuries in Soccer

Background: Meniscus injuries are common in football, a sport characterized by rapid movements, including twisting and sudden changes of direction. These injuries can significantly impact players' performance and their overall participation in the game. The meniscus, a C-shaped cartilage in the knee, plays a crucial role in load distribution and joint stability. Injuries often arise from twisting movements or direct impact, leading to various types of tears. Understanding the mechanisms, diagnosis, and management of these injuries is vital for effective treatment and rehabilitation. Methods: This study reviews the existing literature on meniscus injuries specific to football players from ۲۰۱۰ to ۲۰۲۴ and includes an analysis of meniscal anatomy, biomechanics, and common mechanisms leading to injury. The authors discuss diagnostic processes, treatment options—including surgical and non-surgical methods—and rehabilitation protocols that facilitate a return to play. Additionally, this review utilizes data from various studies focusing on professional football players, examining outcomes related to injury management and recovery timelines. Results: Findings indicate that meniscus injuries constitute a significant portion of knee injuries in football players. Players often experience symptoms such as pain, swelling, joint locking, and restricted range of motion following an injury. The study emphasizes that surgical interventions, such as meniscus repair or removal, are common but can lead to varying outcomes concerning post-recovery performance metrics. For example, players who underwent internal meniscus repair showed reduced performance in the first year post-surgery but returned to baseline levels in the second year. The study also highlights the importance of appropriate rehabilitation programs to ensure athletes regain strength and effective stability. Conclusion: The review concludes that while many players can return to their pre-injury performance levels, long-term impacts on career longevity remain a concern. Meniscus injuries pose a significant challenge for football players due to their prevalence and potential effects on performance and career duration, making effective management strategies essential for facilitating recovery and ensuring athletes' safe return to play. Ongoing research to optimize treatment protocols and understand the long-term effects of these injuries on players' careers is also necessary.

کلیدواژه ها:

Meniscus injury ، Soccer ، Knee injury ، Performance metrics ، Rehabilitation