Epidemiological Study of Meniscus Tears in Collegiate Athletes

This research article presents an epidemiological study focused on meniscus injuries among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes, utilizing data from the PAC-12 injury database collected between the 2017-18 and 2021-22 academic years. The study aims to evaluate the incidence of meniscus tears across various sports and the factors influencing the return to sport (RTS) rates. A total of 276 meniscus tears were reported, with the highest injury rates observed in gymnasts, soccer players, football players, and basketball players. The findings indicate significant gender differences in injury rates, with male athletes generally experiencing higher rates than female athletes in certain sports. The study also reveals that 87.3% of athletes returned to their previous level of competition, with variations in RTS times based on the type of meniscus injury and treatment. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the timing of injuries during competition and the potential for targeted prevention programs.