Orthopedic & Muscular System: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Long-Term Effects of Knee Injuries in Former Ski Racers

Antti Stenroos*, Mikko Savolainen and Henrik Sandelin

Aim: Ski racing has always been associated with a high risk of knee injuries. The aim of this study was to assess, the long-term consequences of knee injuries in former alpine skiers.

Materials and methods: The study is limited to former ski racers who actively participated in FIS ski racing between 1996 and 2006 and it has been longer than 10 years since retirement from ski racing.

Results: Total of 275 ski racers from seven different countries took part in the study. Majority (206.75%) of the ski racers had suffered at least one knee injury. 49% skiers had undergone at least one ACL reconstruction and 23% had suffered more than one ACL rupture. In ski racer group the mean Lysholm score was 90.7(34-97). In the reference group the average Lysholm score was 97(86-100). The Lysholm score among skiers that had suffered on or more ACLinjuries had significantly lower Lysholm scores mean 81.

Conclusion: In this cohort of ski racers the slight majority of those who sustained an ACL- had injury had fair or poor knee scores. The common assumption that former ski racers have bad knees seems to be true.