ACL injuries 'do not increase risk of osteoarthritis'

A new study has indicated that anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are not associated with a greater risk of osteoarthritis in older people.

Led by Australia's University of Sydney and carried out in partnership with the US University of Pittsburgh and Boston University School of Medicine, the research aimed to determine whether loss of ACL integrity in an older cohort precedes the onset of radiographic osteoarthritis.

Study participants were selected from the Osteoarthritis Initiative study who had risk factors for osteoarthritis development, but were confirmed not to have radiographic osteoarthritis in both knees at baseline.

Magnetic resonance scans were assessed for the presence of ACL tears, with the development of osteoarthritis monitored through the use of knee radiograph scans taken after 12 and 48 months visits. A total 355 people who developed the disease were ultimately chosen for study and matched to 355 controls.

According to results published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, there was no relationship between loss of ACL integrity and radiographic osteoarthritis at any assessment time point, whereas those with a history of knee injuries were shown to be more likely to develop the condition.

The researchers concluded: "Loss of ACL integrity does not confer a significantly increased risk of incident radiographic osteoarthritis in an older adult cohort. In contrast, a history of knee injury was associated with an increased risk of incident radiographic osteoarthritis."

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of joint disease and can cause pain, stiffness, swelling and grating sensations in the affected joint, leading to debilitating health consequences.

A spokeswoman for Arthritis Research UK said the results of the study were surprising, as previous research had indicated a link between damage to the ACL and the onset of osteoarthritis in later life.

The Arthritis Research UK Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis is investigating the links between sporting injuries in a range of sports, including football and rugby, and the subsequent  risk of developing osteoarthritis.

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