Grant: CIHR Fellowship

Knee injuries, like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus tears, are becoming more common in young adults. Many of these injuries lead to surgery, even though research shows that rehabilitation alone can be just as effective. Our project, the Australian Knee Injury Study (AKIS), aims to understand why so many people choose surgery and how we can reduce the number of people that end up opting for this costly intervention. We will explore the healthcare journey of young adults who suffer serious knee injuries. Our goals are to identify factors that influence whether someone chooses surgery or not, assess the results of those two treatments after one year, and understand patients' experiences. We will also work with patients and healthcare providers to create educational materials that inform individuals about their treatment options and allow them to make an informed decision. To do this, we will gather data through an online survey from participants who have had a knee injury within the last six months. This will include questions about their health, previous injuries, and expectations for recovery. We will follow up with them at six months and again at one year to track their symptoms and treatment experiences. Additionally, we will conduct interviews with participants to learn how their treatment choices were made. A separate project will assess whether our educational resources can change patients' views on the need for surgery. This study is a crucial first step in reducing unneeded knee surgeries in young adults. By highlighting the factors that lead to surgery and providing patients with reliable information, we hope to improve treatment pathways and overall recovery experiences.