Breaking down the link between athletic injury and osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) following athletic injury is increasingly recognized as a long-term concern in athletic populations. Despite advances in injury management, clinical practice continues to prioritize short-term return-to-sport outcomes, often with limited consideration of long-term joint health. This editorial examines the relationship between athletic injury and OA, highlighting gaps between scientific understanding and clinical implementation. By discussing key mechanistic insights and unmet clinical needs, we argue for a shift toward injury-informed, lifespan-oriented approaches to joint preservation in athletes. We advocate for a structured, multidisciplinary model of care extending beyond surgical stabilization and short-term rehabilitation, emphasizing coordinated long-term surveillance and joint-preserving strategies.