IMPACT ON PERFORMANCE IN ATHLETES WITH KNEE ARTHROSIS: CLINICAL X SURGICAL APPROACH

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative condition that can significantly impact athletic performance. This integrative literature review investigated the impact of the clinical versus surgical approach on the performance of athletes with knee osteoarthritis. The research was conducted through a systematic search in electronic databases, resulting in the inclusion of 20 relevant studies. The results indicate that the clinical approach, including physical therapy, activity modification and non-surgical therapies, demonstrated to be effective in improving pain, joint function and quality of life in athletes. On the other hand, results regarding the surgical approach were more varied, with some studies reporting successful returns to sport after surgical procedures, while others highlighted complications and unsatisfactory results. The decision between clinical and surgical approaches must be individualized and consider several factors, including the severity of symptoms, patient age and individual preferences. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to optimize clinical and functional results in athletes with knee osteoarthritis. More research is needed to provide robust evidence and guide clinical practice in this specific population.