Management of the Retired Athlete with Osteoarthritis of the Knee.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a complex interaction of biological, mechanical, and biochemical factors that are further complicated by injury, which accelerates pathological processes within the joint. As a result, athletes, particularly those with a history of knee injury, have an earlier onset and higher prevalence of osteoarthritis that would be expected based on their age. This can present a clinical dilemma to the physician managing the patient who, despite the presence of radiologically confirmed disease, has few symptoms and wishes to maintain an active lifestyle.