AI Insight
This study analyzed comprehensive insurance claims data from New Zealand's Accident Compensation Corporation covering all knee injuries from 2015 to 2024, revealing that knee injury rates increased from 4,067 to 4,701 per 100,000 population. The most common injuries were ligament sprains, contusions, and collateral ligament sprains, with distinct patterns by sex and age: males experienced more ligament and cartilage injuries while females had more contusions, and younger adults (15-35 years) had more ligament tears while middle-aged adults (40-65 years) had more cartilage injuries. The study provides uniquely comprehensive population-level data on knee injury epidemiology beyond what is typically captured in healthcare databases.
Why it matters
This population-wide study reveals that knee injuries are substantially more common than previously reported, likely because it captures injuries treated in primary care settings that other studies miss. The findings highlight that research and prevention efforts should address a broader range of knee injuries beyond the commonly studied cruciate ligament tears, particularly given the varying injury patterns across demographic groups.
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⚠️ Preprint – Noch nicht peer-reviewed
Dieser Artikel wurde noch nicht von unabhängigen Experten begutachtet. Die Ergebnisse sind vorläufig und sollten mit Vorsicht interpretiert werden.
Background Little evidence is available on the epidemiology of different knee injuries at a whole-of-population level. The objective of this article is to provide accurate estimates of knee injury incidence by harnessing the unique comprehensive, population-wide data of New Zealand’s universal no-fault injury insurance provider, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). Methods We obtained insurance claims data from ACC covering all knee injury insurance claims approved between 2015 and 2024. We calculated the number of injuries and the incidence rate per 100 000 population, by injury type, year, sex, ethnicity, and age. Results The total number of injuries increased from 184 710 (4 067 per 100 000 population) in 2015 to 244 155 (4 701 per 100 000) in 2024. The most common injuries were other/unspecified ligament sprains, contusions, and collateral ligament sprains. Ligament and cartilage injuries were more common for males than for females, while contusions were more common for females. Ligament tears and dislocations were more common in younger people (15 to 35 years of age), while cartilage injuries were more common at older ages (40 to 65 years). Discussion and Conclusions The rate of knee injuries observed in this study was higher than previously reported in other settings, probably due to broader coverage of injuries treated in primary and community care settings. A broad range of injuries were common, including those that have received less attention in the epidemiological literature to date. More research is needed on the prevention, burden, and outcomes of different knee injuries, beyond a narrow focus on cruciate ligament injuries.
Source: The epidemiology of knee injuries in New Zealand, 2015-2024