[Current advances in sports-related cartilage research. Meniscus and ligament injuries are associated with increased risk of knee joint arthrosis].

The majority (up to 87%) of patients with meniscus and ligament injuries of the knee develop degenerative radiological changes in a 10-20-year perspective, patients with knee injuries involving several structures being at the greatest risk. A high level of activity has been shown to be a correlate both of repeat injury and the development of osteoarthrosis. However, it has not been determined when or in what proportion of cases such changes result in joint destruction and permanent disability. The incidence of isolated cartilage injuries is low, and it is unclear whether such injuries predispose to osteoarthrosis. No validated method is yet available for the effective treatment of circumscribed or more extensive cartilage injuries, which would be preferable to conservative treatment.