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

Russell, E.R., Spencer, S.J., Atherton, C.M., Lyall, D.M. , Mackay, D.F. , Stewart, K., MacLean, J.A., Pell, J.P. and Stewart, W. (2023) Increased risk of lower limb osteoarthritis among former professional soccer (football) players. Occupational Medicine, 73(9), pp. 547-553. (doi: 10.1093/occmed/kqad132) (PMID:38070190) (PMCID:PMC10824258)

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 < 0.001). This increased risk appeared age dependant, normalizing over age 80 years and reflective of increased risk of lower limb osteoarthritis. Further, risk of hospital admissions for meniscal injury (HR 2.73; 95% CI 2.42–3.08; P &lt; 0.001) and joint replacement (HR 2.82; 95% CI 2.23–3.57; P &lt; 0.001) were greater among former soccer players. Conclusions: We report an increased risk of lower limb osteoarthritis in former soccer players when compared with matched population controls. The results of this research add data in support of lower limb osteoarthritis among former soccer players representing a potential industrial injury.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by funding from The Football Association and Professional Footballers Association, and an NHS Research Scotland Career Researcher Fellowship (W.S.)
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Pell, Professor Jill and MacLean, Dr John and Russell, Dr Emma and Stewart, Miss Katy and Stewart, Dr William and Mackay, Professor Daniel and Lyall, Dr Donald
• Authors: Russell, E.R., Spencer, S.J., Atherton, C.M., Lyall, D.M., Mackay, D.F., Stewart, K., MacLean, J.A., Pell, J.P., and Stewart, W.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
• Journal Name: Occupational Medicine
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISSN: 0962-7480
• ISSN (Online): 1471-8405
• Published Online: 01 December 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © The Authors 2023
• First Published: First published in Occupational Medicine 73(9):547–553
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence