Sports Injuries That Often Lead to Knee Replacement

November 19, 2025

Introduction

For many athletes and fitness enthusiasts, the knees take the maximum load – whether it’s running, jumping, twisting, sudden stops, or quick direction changes. While most sports injuries heal with rest, physiotherapy and medication, some injuries severely damage the knee joint. Over time, these injuries can lead to arthritis and, in advanced cases, the need for knee replacement surgery.

In Faridabad, patients with complex knee and sports-related injuries often look for a specialist who understands both sports biomechanics and joint preservation. Dr. Deepak Mishra, practising at Asian Hospital, Faridabad, is widely regarded as one of the best knee replacement surgeons and among the best orthopedic doctor in Faridabad for such cases.

Contact for appointment: +91 8287334003

How Sports Injuries Damage the Knee

The knee is a complex joint made up of:

Bones: Femur (thigh bone), Tibia (leg bone) and Patella (knee cap)
Cartilage: Smooth surface that allows friction-free movement
Menisci: C-shaped shock absorbers between the bones
Ligaments: ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL that keep the knee stable
Muscles and tendons: Provide strength and control

In high-impact sports like football, basketball, kabaddi, cricket, tennis and running, the knee is exposed to:

Sudden twists
Direct blows
Hard landings
Overuse and repetitive strain

When these forces exceed the strength of the structures in the knee, injuries occur. If not treated properly or if the injury is very severe, it can damage the cartilage and meniscus. Over years, this damage progresses to osteoarthritis, and eventually, some patients may require knee replacement.

Major Sports Injuries That Can Lead to Knee Replacement

1. ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Tears

The ACL is one of the key ligaments that stabilizes the knee, especially in twisting and pivoting movements. ACL tears are common in:

Football and futsal
Basketball and volleyball
Kabaddi and wrestling
Badminton and tennis
Skiing and other pivoting sports

How it leads to knee replacement:

An untreated or poorly treated ACL tear can lead to repeated knee instability episodes or “giving way”
Each episode can damage the meniscus and cartilage
Over time, this results in early osteoarthritis of the knee
In advanced arthritis with severe pain, stiffness and deformity, knee replacement may be the final solution

Proper surgical reconstruction of the ACL and early rehabilitation significantly reduce the risk of long-term joint damage.

2. Meniscus Tears

The menisci are cushions that distribute weight and absorb shock. They are extremely important for joint longevity.

Meniscus tears occur due to:

Twisting the knee while the foot is fixed
Sudden direction changes while running
Squatting and lifting heavy weights
Degeneration in older athletes

Pathway to knee replacement:

Removing a large portion of the meniscus (partial meniscectomy) increases pressure on the joint cartilage
Over time, this speeds up wear and tear
Loss of meniscus plus cartilage thinning leads to painful osteoarthritis
When pain persists despite medicines, injections and physiotherapy, knee replacement may be advised

Modern sports orthopedics focuses on meniscus repair or preservation whenever possible to protect the joint.

3. Cartilage Injuries (Chondral or Osteochondral Lesions)

Cartilage covers the ends of the bones and ensures smooth, painless motion. In fast-paced sports, direct impact or twisting injuries can:

Chip off a piece of cartilage
Damage the underlying bone (osteochondral defect)
Create rough surfaces that cause pain and catching in the knee

Why this can end in knee replacement:

Cartilage has limited capacity to heal
Untreated lesions gradually enlarge
The joint loses its smooth surface, leading to arthritis
In advanced stages, when large areas of cartilage are worn out, knee replacement becomes the most effective way to restore function

Early detection through MRI and timely treatment (such as microfracture, cartilage repair, or osteochondral grafts) can delay or prevent the need for replacement.

4. Multi-Ligament Knee Injuries

High-energy trauma in sports or road accidents can damage multiple ligaments in a single event – ACL, PCL, MCL and even the posterolateral corner.

These injuries cause:

Grossly unstable knee
Difficulty walking without support
Associated meniscus and cartilage damage

If not reconstructed properly and in time:

The joint remains unstable
Abnormal movements accelerate cartilage wear
This leads to early and severe osteoarthritis
Ultimately, the patient may require knee replacement surgery, often at a younger age

Such complex injuries require an experienced orthopedic surgeon with expertise in sports injuries and joint reconstruction.

5. Repeated Patellar Dislocation (Knee Cap Dislocation)

In some athletes, the kneecap keeps slipping out of place due to:

Trauma
Weak or imbalanced muscles
Abnormal alignment of the leg
Lax ligaments

Repeated dislocations can:

Damage cartilage behind the patella
Cause chronic pain in front of the knee
Develop into patellofemoral arthritis

In advanced cases, especially when the joint surfaces are badly worn, knee replacement can become necessary, sometimes with special implants for the kneecap surface.

6. Sports-Related Fractures Around the Knee

High-impact falls, tackles or collisions in sports can cause fractures involving:

Lower end of femur
Upper end of tibia (tibial plateau)
Patella (kneecap)

If these fractures:

Are not aligned accurately
Heal with deformity
Damage the joint surface severely

Then the patient may develop post-traumatic arthritis. When pain, deformity and stiffness become disabling, knee replacement is often the most reliable treatment to restore alignment and comfort.

7. Overuse Injuries Leading to Degeneration

While not as dramatic as ligament or meniscus tears, long-term overuse can slowly damage the knee:

Long-distance running on hard surfaces
Improper technique in weightlifting or squats
Training without adequate rest and recovery
Obesity combined with sports activity

Over years, this combination can:

Thin the cartilage
Cause micro-injuries that fail to heal fully
Lead to progressive osteoarthritis

In patients where conservative treatment no longer works, knee replacement can offer long-term pain relief and improved quality of life.

When Does a Sports Injury Patient Actually Need Knee Replacement?

Not every sports injury needs surgery, and not every surgery ends in replacement. Knee replacement is usually considered when:

Pain is severe and persistent, even at rest or at night
Daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or sitting cross-legged become very difficult
Range of motion is significantly reduced
X-rays or MRI show advanced arthritis, joint space loss or deformity
Other treatments – medicines, injections, physiotherapy, braces – have failed to provide relief

An experienced orthopedic surgeon evaluates:

The extent of joint damage
Age, activity level, weight and expectations of the patient
Previous surgeries and current alignment

Based on this, the surgeon suggests whether joint preservation (arthroscopic repair, osteotomy etc.) is still possible, or whether knee replacement will give better long-term results.

Can Athletes Return to Sports After Knee Replacement?

Modern knee replacement focuses not just on pain relief, but also on functional recovery.

After successful knee replacement and proper rehabilitation, many patients can:

Walk comfortably
Climb stairs without pain
Do low-impact sports like brisk walking, swimming, cycling, golf and light gym workouts

High-impact activities like running, jumping, competitive football or basketball are generally discouraged to protect the implant. However, the goal is to help patients live an active, independent and pain-free life.

A skilled knee replacement surgeon plans the implant type, alignment and rehabilitation protocol according to the patient’s activity level and expectations.

Preventing Sports Injuries That Damage the Knee

While some injuries are accidental, many can be prevented or reduced in severity with simple steps:

Proper warm-up and stretching before sports
Strengthening quadriceps, hamstrings, hip and core muscles
Wearing appropriate footwear and using correct technique
Avoiding sudden increase in training intensity or duration
Listening to your body and not playing through severe pain
Seeking early medical advice instead of ignoring knee swelling, instability or locking

Early diagnosis and timely treatment can often save the joint and delay or prevent the need for knee replacement.

Why Choose an Expert Orthopedic Surgeon for Sports-Injury Related Knee Problems?

Sports-related knee injuries can be complex. A surgeon who understands both sports medicine and joint replacement can:

Focus on joint preservation in early stages
Accurately decide when replacement is truly needed
Use advanced techniques to ensure natural movement and long implant life
Guide you safely back to an active lifestyle with customized rehabilitation

Dr. Deepak Mishra – Among the Best Knee Replacement Surgeons in Faridabad

In Faridabad, patients suffering from severe sports-related knee damage and advanced arthritis often trust Dr. Deepak Mishra for his expertise in both sports injuries and joint replacement.

He is widely regarded as one of the best knee replacement surgeons in Faridabad.
He is also considered among the best orthopedic doctors in Faridabad for complex knee and sports-related conditions.
He is currently practising at Asian Hospital, Faridabad.

Patients appreciate his:

Detailed evaluation and clear explanation of the problem
Balanced approach between conservative treatment and surgery
Expertise in managing complex ligament injuries, cartilage damage and advanced arthritis
Focus on early mobilization and structured rehabilitation after surgery

If you have:

A long-standing sports injury
Persistent knee pain or instability
Difficulty walking, climbing stairs or squatting
X-ray or MRI reports showing advanced damage

Consulting an experienced specialist like Dr. Deepak Mishra can help you understand whether your knee can still be preserved or if knee replacement is the best way forward for a pain-free, active life.

For appointments with Dr. Deepak Mishra (Asian Hospital, Faridabad), you may contact:
Phone: +91 8287334003