Knee Injuries in Collegiate Athletes, a Review of Literature, and a Study of the Effects of Pre vs. Post Collegiate ACL Reconstruction in Division 1 Collegiate Athletes on Subsequent Knee Surgeries and Sports Career Length
The direct annual economic burden of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury exceeds 2 billion dollars. Additionally, it is known that knee injuries, particularly ACL injuries, increase the risk of osteoarthritis later in life. ACL and other knee injuries are common in athletics. These injuries often require reconstruction in addition to extensive rehabilitation before functions return at a pre-injury level. Though considerable research has been conducted regarding outcomes, a large knowledge gap exists in terms of injury risk factors, and targeted prevention programs. The development of successful preventive strategies cannot occur without an understanding of the mechanisms associated with knee injuries. The goals of this master’s paper are to define the prevalence of knee injuries and understand the outcomes of ACL injuries in collegiate athletes. The first part of the paper is an original research study examining whether previous ACL injury in high school athletics is a risk factor for subsequent graft failure and reoperation. The research question serves to examine the future health implications for high-level athletes who have suffered a prior ACL injury and undergone a subsequent reconstruction during their high school career. The second, more substantial portion of the paper is a mini-systematic review examining at the epidemiology of knee injuries among collegiate athletes. These findings will help to increase our understanding of the epidemiology of knee injuries, and serve to guide potential interventions that could be developed to prevent knee injuries.Master of Public Healt
