Six-year course and prognosis of traumatic knee symptoms in general practice: Cohort study

Background Traumatic knee symptoms are frequently seen, however, evidence about the course and prognostic factors are scarce. Objectives To describe the one and six-year course of traumatic knee symptoms presenting in general practice, and to identify prognostic factors for persistent knee symptoms. Methods Adolescents (≥12 years) and adults with traumatic knee symptoms (n = 328) from general practice were followed for six years with self-report questionnaires and physical examination. Results Persistent knee symptoms were reported by 27% of the patients at one year and by 33% at six years. There was a strong relationship (OR: 11.0, 95% CI: 5.0–24.2) between having persistent knee symptoms at one year and at six-year follow-up. Prognostic factors associated with persistent knee symptoms at one year were age, poor general health, history of non-traumatic knee symptoms, absence floating patella and laxity on the anterior drawer test (AUC: 0.72). At six-year follow-up, age, body mass index > 27, non-skeletal co-morbidity, self-reported crepitus of the knee, history of non-traumatic knee symptoms, and laxity on the anterior drawer test were associated with persistent knee symptoms (AUC: 0.82). Conclusion Traumatic knee symptoms in general practice seem to become a chronic disorder in one out of three patients. Several prognostic factors assessed at baseline were associated with persistent knee symptoms at one and six-year follow-up.

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