Dietary intake in youth with a sport-related knee injury - implications for secondary prevention of post-traumatic osteoarthritis

Abstract

Purpose: Sport and recreation participation is the leading cause of injury requiring medical attention amongst school-aged children and adolescents, with approximately 40% of these injuries affecting the knee. Knee injuries increase the risk for post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA), with 50% of youth who suffer a significant knee injury developing OA within 10-15 years. Given no OA disease-modifying treatment exists, preventative strategies are needed. Nutritional adequacy may be an important target for preventing OA following injury given the vital role of key nutrients in bone and joint health.