Athletes' knowledge and attitude concerning the meniscus, meniscal injury, and management

Knee injuries largely vary including cartilaginous, ligamentous, bony, and tendinous injuries. Greatest of the reported knee injuries associated with in a non-contact method includes mainly the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Additionally, medial and lateral menisci act as shock absorbers with an additional role in stabilizing the joint which can be or partially or totally torn. The current study aimed to assess athletes' knowledge and attitude concerning the meniscus, meniscal injury, and management.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to achieve the objectives. A pre-structured electronic questionnaire was used to collect the data, covered participants socio-demographic data, personal and family history of meniscus injury and surgery, physical activity during past year, and also knowledge regarding the meniscal injury and management.

A total of 448 athletes fulfilling the inclusion criteria completed the study questionnaire. Participants 'age ranged from 18 to 60 years with mean age of 26.7 ± 7.7 years old. A total of 256 (57.1%) participants were males. Exact of 21 participants had meniscus surgery. As for family history, 75 (16.7%) had family history of meniscus injury. Exact of 95 (21.2%) athletes had good knowledge level, while vast majority (78.8%; 353) had poor knowledge level.

In conclusion, the study showed that the estimated rate of meniscus injury and surgery was not high (within the international range). The participants' knowledge regarding meniscus injury and meniscus surgery with its related management was unsatisfactory, where 1 out of each 5 was knowledgeable.