ACL Injury and Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis

摘要

Osteoarthritis is observed with a much higher incidence in the military than comparable civilian populations. The diagnosis is often made at a younger age in military members. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures are endemic injuries to the young, active military athlete population. Posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) occurs commonly in the post-ACL-injured knee. Recent efforts by national organizations have brought attention to the unique opportunity to study PTOA in its earliest, molecular stages in knees sustaining traumatic injuries to the ACL. The search for surrogate biomarkers of PTOA in the military population offers opportunity to advance understanding of this significant disease.