The effect of post-traumatic chondropathy on the functional state of knee joints in athletes while playing basketball.

The widespread occurrence of knee injuries in athletes when playing basketball, in particular, damage to the cartilage system of the knee joint is reviewed. Basketball players may develop post-traumatic chondropathy with a subsequent change in the functional state of knee joints, which is inextricably linked with a decrease in the quality of life, the occurrence of pain syndrome, shortening of career duration, an increased risk of surgical interventions, and possible disability, from a long-term perspective. This review was conducted to explore modern ideas about the impact of post-traumatic chondropathy on the functional state of knee joints in athletes during basketball games. Literature databases were searched for relevant studies. Given the character of the basketball game, knee injuries, both acute and chronic, are widespread among athletes of this sport, including cartilaginous defects of the knee joint. The findings of this study are of practical value for sports medicine doctors, physiotherapists, and traumatologists because they present the main mechanisms of knee injuries in athletes when playing basketball and the possible consequences of these injuries in the long term.