A new study from UCLA researchers finds that arthroscar tissue is particularly vulnerable to inflammation and that this could be a major obstacle to avoiding ACL injuries.
The study, published in The Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, found that patients who underwent arthroscope surgery had significantly increased levels of interstitial cystitis (ICC) and decreased bone mineral density (BMD) after just one month.
The researchers also noted that these patients experienced significantly increased risk of developing complications, including fractures, osteoporosis, and other injuries.
“The finding of an association between ACL injury and inflammation may help explain why the risk of ACL injuries is higher in athletes than in nonathletes, particularly when combined with the high rate of injuries in athletes compared to nonathlete populations,” the researchers wrote.
“This suggests that athletes may benefit from additional care and care coordination.”
“These results suggest that ACL injuries should be considered an important concern for athletes.”
The study looked at data from a nationwide survey of 3,000 athletes, with an average age of 21.1 years old.
The participants were then followed for three months, and then again for a further two months.
The findings were not limited to sports, but also included non-athlete demographics, such as age, race, weight, height, and weight loss status.
According to the study, arthro-scopy surgery is a common procedure in the U.S., and nearly 20 percent of ACL surgeries are performed on the knee, the second-most common type of surgery performed.
The UCLA study found that ACL injury rates were higher among athletes with a history of arthrostomy than among athletes without such a history.
The authors concluded that athletes should be aware of the risk factors for ACL injury, and that it is crucial to treat ACL injuries in a timely fashion.
“Arthroscopy should be a routine procedure for athletes,” they wrote.
“Athletes should be encouraged to maintain adequate levels of activity and sports are not limited by injuries.
However, athletes with ACL injuries must be carefully monitored for complications and, if needed, surgical intervention.”
