Prognostic factors for cartilage degeneration in the knee after meniscectomy and cruciate ligament injuries. A prospective observational MRI cohort study.

The proposed study is based on a 1997 collected dataset of 859 patients with knee complaints.The original data from history taking, physical examination, plain films, MRI and arthroscopy will be made available from the original database and incorporated in a new database.
All 859 patients are considered eligible for this study and will be recalled for follow-up. Patients are seen at the outpatient clinic of the department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the LUMC. Physical examination, plain films and MRI will be performed. Mouthswabs, blood and urine will be taken. The patients are asked to fill in three questionnaires.
In a second and last vist to the LUMC, MRI of the knee will be performed.
The main aim is to identify high risk patient groups for development of knee osteoarthritis (OA) in a cohort 9-10 years after meniscus, cruciate ligament and cartilage lesions.

To identify high risk patient groups for development of knee osteoarthritis (OA) in a cohort 9-10 years after meniscus, cruciate ligament and cartilage lesions.

1. X-ray;
2. MRI;
3. Venapunction.