Hi, I'll begin by explaining my situation! I'm 27 year old semi professional footballer. Back in 2008 I injured my knee which was diagnosed as a torn cartilage however when I woke up from surgery the surgeon informed me that I had an absent Acl! Because it wasn't diagnosed initially ( even after an Wikipedia reference-linkMRI scan) over the 8 months it took to get the operation the acl had worn away and the surgeon said there was nothing there which he could reattach and that reconstruction would be the best possible option! Six weeks after the op we met and he said that I wouldn't need another op that I should go back and strengthen up the muscles around the knee and see how it goes. Fortunately i have been back playing now for over a year without any major problems! My main concern is that I am doing more damage to my knee and significantly increasing the risk of osteoarthritis in my knee in the future? When I put this point to the surgeon he stated that reconstruction would not help delay the onset of osteoarthritis as because the damage was already done! I'm now thinking about giving up football as I work as a joiner and realise that arthritis in my knee is going to cause many problems later in life where my work is concerned! I would appreciate any ones opinion about the increased risk of osteoarthritis if I keep playing football I'm my current condition! Thanks.

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