Knee injuries in active vs. sedentary populations: MRI-based evidence

Summaries 1 min 77

Font Size

Created On: 10/06/2026

Knee pain is commonly associated with internal joint injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and meniscal damage.

See All

Key take away

Knee pathologies, particularly anterior cruciate ligament and meniscal injuries, show higher severity in individuals with sedentary lifestyles compared to sportsmen.

Background

Knee pain is commonly associated with internal joint injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and meniscal damage. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a highly accurate, noninvasive diagnostic tool for evaluating these conditions, with more than 90% sensitivity for detecting medial meniscal tears. This study assessed the prevalence and degree of knee pathologies between sportsmen and those with sedentary lifestyles.

Method

This cross-sectional study was executed using MRI evaluation. Overall, 67 knee pain sufferers were divided into 2 groups:

Group I (Sportsmen): N = 35
Group II (Sedentary lifestyle): N = 32

Age and gender data were recorded. MRI scans were performed following standard radiology department protocols, and all knee pathology findings were documented and compared between the two groups.

Result

MRI analysis revealed multiple knee pathologies across both groups:

(a) Meniscal and ligament injuries:
— Group I: ACL damage in 12 patients (34.3%), PCL damage in 3 patients (8.6%)
— Group II: ACL damage in 20 patients (62.5%), PCL damage in 2 patients (6.25%)

(b) Collateral ligament damage (Group II only):
—Medial collateral ligament: 3 patients (9.4%)
—Lateral collateral ligament: 3 patients (9.4%)

(c) Other knee pathologies:
— Joint effusion observed in both groups
— Group I: Chondromalacia patellae 3 (8.6%), Baker’s cyst 4 (11.4%), bone bruises/marrow edema 7 (20%), osteoarthritis 1 (2.9%), —tumors 2 (5.7%)
— Group II: Chondromalacia patellae 2 (6.5%), bone bruises/marrow edema 10 (31.3%), osteoarthritis 2 (6.3%)
— Normal MRI findings in Group II: 1 patient (3.1%)

Overall, meniscal damage was the most frequently observed pathology across both groups.

Conclusion

Sedentary individuals illustrated a higher prevalence and greater severity of ACL and associated knee pathologies compared to sportsmen, while sportsmen showed comparatively better joint integrity despite higher physical activity levels.