The Influence of Sex, Body Mass Index, and Age on Cartilage Metabolism Biomarkers in Patients After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury and Reconstruction.

Context: Serum biomarkers may allow for the early identification of posttraumatic osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and reconstruction. Homeostasis of matrix-metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and type II collagen turnover biomarkers (C2C:CPII ratio) is believed to be compromised in individuals with ACL injury, yet the influence of sex, body mass index (BMI), and age on these biomarkers before and after ACL reconstruction remains unknown.

Objective: To determine the relationship of sex, BMI, and age with serum levels of MMP-3 and C2C:CPII before and after ACL reconstruction.