Cartilage Injuries in Football

Articular cartilage injury is an unfortunate, common occurrence in the football athlete due to the demands and nature of the sport. Injury can manifest as a new cartilage lesion, as the result of an acute traumatic event, a symptomatic aggravation of a pre-existing asymptomatic chronic cartilage lesion, or a symptomatic exacerbation of a pre-existing asymptomatic chronic lesion. When presented with symptoms of cartilage injury in season, thoroughly assess the exact extent and nature of the cartilage injury, determine what other collateral factors/injuries are associated with the cartilage lesion, and begin an initial management to treat the inflammatory response. Most cartilage injuries can be initially and definitively treated with a nonoperative regimen. Rehabilitation regimens, bracing, injection therapies, and surgery, all have their place in a full treatment algorithm. The art for the clinician is appropriately managing the injury, while maximizing the athlete’s potential with the long-term health of the athlete at the pinnacle of the treatment decision-making.