No Cartilage Harm From Exercise in Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) Populations

 

A systematic review of nine randomized controlled trials (14 comparisons) examined how MRI-measured articular cartilage responds to exercise in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). 

 

Key findings

 

The review found that exercise did not harm cartilage in the following OA groups:

 

• At-risk populations: No effect on cartilage defects was observed. One comparison showed improved glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content.

• Established OA: Most comparisons showed no effect on cartilage thickness, volume, or defects. Two comparisons demonstrated positive effects on collagen, while one showed negative GAG response.

 

Clinical takeaway

 

Knee-loading exercise appears to be cartilage-safe – not the “devil” it was previously believed to be. Drawing cross-over analogies to the ankle, exercise should be encouraged, or at least not discouraged, even in the setting of OA. 

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Midfoot Denervation: A Faster, Reliable Alternative to Fusion?

by Vince Vacketta, DPM

 

A new longitudinal study, Stable Long-term PROMIS Outcomes After Deep Peroneal Nerve Neurectomy for Midfoot Arthritis, found that deep peroneal nerve (DPN) neurectomy provided durable pain relief at six-year follow-up. These results support it as a viable motion-preserving alternative to midfoot arthrodesis in carefully selected patients.

 

Key findings

 

• Nearly half of patients (47%) achieved clinically meaningful pain improvement.

• Pain relief was maintained long-term, physical function remained stable.

• Only four patients ultimately required conversion to fusion.

• Unlike arthrodesis, DPN neurectomy avoids risks of nonunion and hardware complications, offers faster recovery and preserves motion, and leaves fusion as a future option if symptoms progress.

 

Takeaway

 

DPN neurectomy offers a durable, joint-sparing option, particularly for patients with health or function challenging for arthrodesis. The study shows it can provide meaningful, long-term pain relief, allowing many patients to delay – or potentially avoid – fusion altogether. As always, patient selection remains key.

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Ankle Injuries Shaped the World Cup Knockout Rounds

 

Three notable foot and ankle injuries struck during the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament, each with real consequences. 

 

• Nico Schlotterbeck (Germany) suffered a high-ankle sprain in the group stage and didn't play another minute, a significant blow to Germany's defensive core.

• Jurrien Timber (Netherlands) went down mid-tournament and was confirmed out, further depleting a Dutch backline already stretched thin.

• Kylian Mbappé (France) rolled his ankle in the quarterfinal against Morocco but played through it into the semifinals.

 

The context

 

Ankle sprains are the most common injury in elite football. The potential to be tournament-ending is routinely underestimated, but it is now in the spotlight following the much-watched tournament in this 23rd edition of the men’s soccer tournament.