1. How can athletes keep their joints healthy and avoid needing replacements?

Anytime an athlete competes they are at risk for injury. However, the best way to keepone’s joint healthy is strength and conditioning training. This should include a functional movement screen to assess the individual weaknesses specific to the athlete so that a neuromuscular, sport-specific program can be designed to suit the athletes needs. This will not only prevent injury, but should improve performance.

2. Why are athletes prone to joint replacements?

There is an increase prevalence in total joint replacements in people in their 50s. However, I am unaware of specific reference citing a higher incidence in “athletes”. That said, any ‘weekend warrior’ that has a previous cartilage injury who continues to participate in high demand and impact sports (i.e., basketball, jogging, football, soccer,etc) is prone to further deterioration of their joint and the possibility of need a joint replacement.

3. Do you find joint replacements more common in certain sports?

Not specifically; but generally patients...