Abstract
Background and Objectives: Recent evidence highlighted a higher prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (kOA) among young and former ex-professional athletes. Although the practice of a highly demanding sport is considered a predisposing factor for the knee joint cartilage degeneration, articular cartilage seems to positively respond to a moderate load increase. We aim to investigate recent evidence on the conservative management of early kOA in athletes, with a particular emphasis on therapeutic exercise and injection treatment, in order to highlight whether there are any indications that can influence clinical and rehabilitation practice. Materials and Methods: A scoping review was conducted, screening MEDLINE and PEDro databases for studies published over the past twenty years on the topic. Studies in English, with accessible abstracts, were included in the review. The PICO framework was used (P—patient: athletes, I—Intervention: conservative treatment with therapeutic exercise or injection therapies, C—Comparison: not needed, O—Outcomes: clinical outcomes). Clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, and longitudinal studies were considered. Results: Four studies were finally included in the review. Therapeutic exercise seems to have beneficial effects on prevention of cartilage degeneration, on pain reduction, and on physical function enhancement. On the other hand, in mild to moderate stages of kOA the intra-articular viscosupplementation with Hyaluronic Acid showed a medium to long-term improvement in joint pain and function. The Platelet Rich Plasma treatment also showed a significant improvement in pain and function up to 12 months. Conclusions: Despite the heterogeneity of the studies considered, a multimodal treatment combining therapeutic exercise and moderate aerobic activity (such as running) should be indicated to prevent kOA development. In cases of symptomatic kOA it may be indicated to add minimally invasive injection therapy that seems to contribute to the improvement of motor function and symptomatology.
Highlights
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease of an inflammatory nature that is characterized by changes in the articular cartilage, the presence of fibrillation area, and cracking and thickening of the subcondral bone [1]
People affected by hip and knee OA have approximately a 20% higher mortality rate compared with age-matched controls [1]
After the research issue was identified, two independent researchers performed a search on the MEDLINE (PubMed) and PEDro database, using the following keywords: “knee osteoarthritis”, “early osteoarthritis”, “athlete”, “sport”, “treatment”, “soccer”, “running”, combined with Boolean operators, looking at OA in the most popular sports, according to Tran’s extensive analysis [12]
Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease of an inflammatory nature that is characterized by changes in the articular cartilage, the presence of fibrillation area, and cracking and thickening of the subcondral bone [1]. It is considered as the most common form of arthritis [2] and it represents a major cause of disability worldwide, affecting more than 240 million of people and causing symptomatic and activity-limiting concerns [3]. Recent evidence highlighted a higher prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (kOA) among young and former ex-professional athletes.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
