Knee injuries, particularly those caused by sports, are a major contributor to osteoarthritis (OA) in New Zealand. But can we reduce their long-term impact? The latest research suggests that early intervention and targeted management strategies could make a significant difference.
Understanding the link between knee injuries and OA
Research led by Dr. Daniel O’Brien, Associate Professor of Physiotherapy and Head of Postgraduate Studies at the School of Clinical Sciences at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), highlights the connection between joint injuries—especially anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries—and post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Studies show that nearly 50% of individuals who experience an ACL injury will develop OA within 10 years. For a teenager injured at 16, this could mean early-onset OA by their mid-20s, long before joint replacement becomes an option.
Working alongside Associate Professor Richard Ellis and Professor Duncan Reid at AUT, Dr. O’Brien’s research has explored the long-term effects of PTOA on physical well-being, mental health, and even employment. The studies, supported by Arthritis NZ, included surveys of rugby players, interviews with ACL injury survivors, and discussions with key stakeholders such as ACC, physiotherapists, and sports coaches. The findings reveal that OA is not just an issue for older adults—it’s affecting young athletes and working-age adults too.
To address this growing issue, new research funded by the Health Research Council (HRC) of New Zealand aims to develop follow-up approaches to help individuals manage PTOA at an earlier stage. The goal is to create a system that identifies people 10 years post-injury and connects them with local healthcare providers to improve long-term outcomes.
Introducing Arthritis NZ’s new research webinar series
To bring greater awareness to these critical issues, Arthritis NZ is launching a new research webinar series showcasing arthritis-focused research across Aotearoa. The first webinar, Knee Injuries & Osteoarthritis: Can We Reduce the Burden?, took place on 5 March 2025 and explored high-value OA care and strategies to mitigate the impact of knee injuries.
Hosted by Arthritis NZ’s Research Manager, Dr. Richard Griffiths, the webinar featured Dr. O’Brien discussing his latest research on OA prevention, early intervention, and improved treatment pathways. Attendees gained insights into cutting-edge approaches for managing PTOA and learned how research is shaping future healthcare solutions.
The webinar was well-attended, with 300 people tuning in on the night and more than 750 registrations.
Keep an eye on our YouTube channel for the recording to go live!