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Isolated acute knee injuries in the general population
B P Yawn1, P Amadio, W S Harmsen
1Department of Research, Olmsted Medical Center, Rochester, Minnesota 55904, USA.
The Journal of Trauma
|April 26, 2000
Summary
Most knee injuries in the community population are treated by general physicians, often after a single visit, with few requiring surgery. This study analyzed injury types, events, and demographics in Olmsted County adults.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Orthopedics
- Public Health
Background:
- Knee injuries are prevalent in the general population.
- Previous research has primarily focused on specific, high-risk groups.
- Limited data exists on community-based knee injury patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize knee injuries within a general community population.
- To analyze injury types, mechanisms, and demographic distributions (age, sex).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for Olmsted County residents (≥17 years).
- Inclusion criteria: first visit for isolated acute knee injury (within 60 days of visit).
- Study period: January 1, 1993, to January 1, 1996.
Main Results:
- 664 patients evaluated for acute knee injuries (4/1,000 adults).
- Men (54%) were younger and more prone to sports-related injuries; women (46%) more likely to sustain non-sports falls.
- Knee sprain/strain most common (36%); 49% had one visit; 37% saw an orthopedic surgeon; 12% recommended for surgery.
Conclusions:
- Community knee injuries are frequent and often managed by general physicians.
- Most cases involve a single physician visit and rarely require surgical intervention.
- Injury patterns differ between sexes, with sports-related injuries more common in men.