## Study Finds Gender and Age-Related Differences in Knee Injury Patterns

One of the largest MRI-based studies comparing knee injuries between men and women reveals surprising differences in injury patterns based on gender and age.

The findings, which can be used to improve risk assessment and develop early intervention strategies, were presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

“In recent years, we’ve grown more interested in the differences in knee injuries between men and women,” said study co-author Jenifer Pitman, M.D., assistant professor of radiology at Johns hopkins Medical Institute in Baltimore, Maryland.

“The majority of past research has focused on men, but as we expand our focus to include women, the more we see that they have different risk profiles and are prone to different injuries.”

### Study design and injury features

The study included 13,549 consecutive routine knee MRI exams performed between 2019 and 2024 at four outpatient radiology facilities affiliated with Johns Hopkins Hospital. The patients reported knee pain as their chief complaint.

The researchers extracted the following features from radiology reports: tears in or injuries to the medial and lateral menisci, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament (MCL), lateral collateral ligament complex, and extensor mechanism or patellofemoral dislocation.

The ACL is a major ligament in the knee that connects

Knee Injury Patterns Differ by Gender and Age

New research indicates that knee injury patterns vary significantly based on both gender and age, challenging some long-held assumptions. The study, presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2023 annual meeting, reveals distinct differences in the types of knee injuries seen in younger versus older women, and compared to men.

Researchers analyzed data from over 3,000 knee MRI scans and found that while anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are frequently associated with younger female athletes, older women experience a higher incidence of meniscal tears and arthritis. This suggests that injury patterns may help radiologists and clinicians tailor imaging protocols, risk assessments and early intervention strategies to optimize patient outcomes.

“The pre-established notion that ACL tears are more common in younger women may not be the case 100% of the time,” Dr. Pitman said. “Radiologists can also expect to see more frequent meniscal pathology and arthritis in older women.”

The researchers are continuing their inquiry into knee injury patterns by gender, analyzing demographic information and patient history to better understand trends in injury patterns.

Dr. Pitman said that athletes should consider working with a health professional to build balanced strength around the knee. She advises individuals-especially older patients-with knee pain to see their physician.

“If you’re having knee pain, don’t just brush it off or attribute it to old age,” she said. “We’ve seen higher rates of meniscal tears, in particular, in women 40 years and older.”

Other co-authors are Shivani Ahlawat, M.D., and Laura M. Fayad, M.D.