Knee Injuries at a Division III Instititution

Abstract

2217 Damage to the knee often results in reduction of physical activity and can lead to chronic joint pain. The prevalence and trends of knee injuries for athletes have been reported, however, injury statistics for the general college population has not been well documented. PURPOSE: Report the frequency and severity of knee injuries sustained by college students. The goal was to gather a better understanding of the prevalence and consequences of knee injury to all college aged students not just highlevel athletic performers. METHODS: An instrument was designed to survey the general student population of a Northeastern Division III college. This study surveyed both the athletic and non-athletic student population. Data were collected during the 2002–3 academic school year. 973 surveys were voluntarily completed by students ranging from freshmen to seniors, 13% of the total student population. The respondents were members of introductory liberal arts courses and upper level exercise science courses. 462 men and 511 women completed the survey. RESULTS: 308, or 31.6% of students surveyed, self reported sustaining one or more knee injuries ranging from sprains to more serious cartilage and ligament damage that had required them to alter, for some time, their level of physical activity. For those reporting multiple knee injuries including some ligament damage, 50% of males and 54.5% of females opted for surgery. Of that same group 55.3% of males and 90.9% of females complained of chronic pain in the repaired knee. CONCLUSIONS: Data from this study indicate that almost 1 in 3 college students surveyed have suffered a knee injury that has required them to alter their physical activity for some period of time. Individuals suffering injuries involving multiple forms of structural damage often opt for surgical repair. The majority of those surveyed who chose surgery currently suffer chronic knee pain in the repaired joint. This chronic pain has resulted in reduced intensity and participation in physical activity. It may also be an indicator of future degenerative complications at the joint.Table