|
|
|
« Back
Joint Injury Increases the Risk of Future Osteoarthritis
|
Posted on: 02/15/2001
|
By keeping a close eye on the rearview mirror of time, researchers have traced what happens after an injury to a hip or knee joint. When a joint is injured in a person's early years, the chances of having future osteoarthritis (OA) in that joint increase.
Researchers tracked 1337 medical students graduating from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore between 1948 and 1964. When the study first began, 64 participants reported having injured a hip or knee joint. The average age at injury was 16. Significantly, 13.9% ended up with OA, compared to only 6% of the participants who didn't have injuries before the study. Also, people who injured their hip or knee joint over the course of the study were much more likely to end up with OA in the injured joint.
Clearly, people who have had an injury to the hip or knee joint, especially in their earlier years, are at higher risk for developing OA. Accordingly, the authors believe these people should be targeted for programs to prevent OA, and younger patients who have had a joint injury should be shown ways to limit extra strain on that joint. They conclude by encouraging doctors to "advocate use of proper sports equipment under safe conditions to prevent joint injuries" to avoid future problems.
|
References:
Allan C. Gelber, et al. Joint Injury in Young Adults and Risk for Subsequent Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis. In Annals of Internal Medicine. September 5, 2000. Vol. 133. No. 5. Pp. 321-328.
|
|
|
« Back
|
|
|
|
*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
 | All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission. |
|
