[Damage to the meniscus in professional footballers]

The nature of the injuries and disease in damage to the meniscus in professional footballers is reported. A typical pattern of movement specific to the sport, with possible pathomechanical effects is the constantly recurring hyperextension and torsion process which can set in motion meniscopathy as a kind of endogenous trauma. The torn meniscus which is overlooked or treated conservatively often leads to secondary sequelae such as chronic relapsing progressive synovitis and damage to the cartilage and to predominant degenerative changes. It is suggested that this type of injury should be regarded as an occupational disease.