Knee Osteoarthritis and Meniscal Injuries in the Runner

Abstract

This paper aims to review new evidence regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of knee osteoarthritis and meniscal injuries in the recreational and professional running population. Though conservative measures remain the mainstay of treatment, increasing evidence shows a role for platelet-rich plasma as a conservative management option for osteoarthritis and meniscal injury, though further studies need to be performed. Cell-based therapy, such as mesenchymal stem cells, remains a controversial topic without clear evidence of their efficacy. Newer surgical options, such as collagen scaffolding and synthetic implants are under study, but surgical meniscal repair still remains the primary treatment for meniscal tears that have not responded to conservative treatment. There is no association or causality between running low and moderate distances and knee OA. There is no causality between running and meniscal injury. There is a multitude of conservative and operative management options for both osteoarthritis and meniscal injury in runners. Platelet-rich plasma is one of the most recently studied interventions that has promising results.