ATHLETIC KNEE INJURIES - SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ASIAN AND WESTERN EXPERIENCE

The pattern and prevalence of knee injuries among athletes are differe nt in Asia, Europe, and North America because of factors such as the d ifferent sporting cultures of the regions and the type of favorite spo rts. Sampling and data bias and the variable levels of diffusion of sp orts in the different parts of the world also are responsible for the variation. In this review, the knee emerges as the most commonly injur ed part of the body; such injuries present significant problems of mec hanical block or instability that may compromise athletic performance. Sports specific injuries are delineated, and specific groups, such as children and adolescents, female, and master athletes, are reviewed i n light of the characteristic patterns of knee injuries. Differences i n the patients' attitude, health care systems, and consultations of tr aditional medical practitioners produce major differences in managemen t styles. However, it is encouraging to find a concerted effort on all continents in the search for a better understanding of knee injuries and a more satisfactory coordination between clinical and basic scienc e research in this field.