Increased risk of lower limb osteoarthritis among former professional soccer (football) players

• Published in: Occupational medicine (Oxford) 2023-12, Vol.73 (9), p.547-553
• Main Authors: Russell, E R, Spencer, S J, Atherton, C M, Lyall, D M, Mackay, D F, Stewart, K, MacLean, J A, Pell, J P, Stewart, W
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Humans; Lower Extremity; Male; Original Papers; Osteoarthritis - epidemiology; Osteoarthritis - etiology; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Soccer - injuries
• ISSN: 0962-7480; 1471-8405; 1471-8405
• DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqad132

Abstract Background Soccer is a high-speed contact sport with risk of injury. Despite long-standing concern, evidence to date remains inconsistent as to the association between playing professional-level soccer and lifelong musculoskeletal consequences. Aims The objectives were to assess risk of osteoarthritis in former professional soccer players compared to matched general population controls, and subsequently assess associated musculoskeletal disorders which may contribute to, or result from, osteoarthritis—specifically meniscal injury and joint replacement. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using national electronic health records (EHRs) on a cohort of 7676 former professional soccer players aged 40 or over at recruitment, matched on year of birth, sex (all male) and socio-economic status with 23 028 general population controls. Outcomes of interest were obtained by utilizing individual-level record linkage to EHRs from general hospital inpatient and day-case admissions. Results Compared to controls, former soccer players showed a greater risk of hospital admission for osteoarthritis (hazard ratio [HR] 3.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.80–3.25; P