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Osteoarthritis High Among Retired Elite Football Players
10/03/2000
By Harvey McConnell
Retired elite British professional football (soccer) players are prone to osteoarthritis and ill health later in life.
Almost 50 percent of 284 former players now suffer from osteoarthritis, according to a study by researchers at the School of Health and Social Sciences at Coventry University. Most of the players are now in their 50's and played in what in now England's Premier League.
Although the study was among British players, football is a universal sport, with both professionals and amateurs playing the game. Therefore, the researchers point out that "there is growing interest in determining whether playing poses any immediate and long term health risks."
In the cross-sectional study, the former players reported on their medical treatment, any diagnosis of osteoarthritis, other morbidity, the status of any disability and any work-related disability they had suffered since retiring from the game.
Previous studies have shown that elite players, when compared with age-matched controls, suffer an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis of the hip and knee joints, and a handful of European studies have reported musculoskeletal symptoms in former elite players.
Since they retired, 92 of the 284 players reported having had surgery at least once. Seventy-five of the players had had specific surgery.
Joints had been replaced in 10 of 48 players who had knee surgery, and hip joints had been replaced in 12 of 15 players who had hip surgery. Six plays had had two joints replaced. In addition, 24 other players in the cohort are now awaiting surgery -- seven for hip joint replacement and six for knee joint replacement.
Another 123 players have had at least one bout of non-surgical treatment and 80 are taking medication to relieve the pain and/or inflammation from injuries suffered during their career.
Cardiovascular problems were most common among 80 players, and 10 reported neuropsycholgical problems, such as memory and headaches.
Forty-six players, most of whom had osteoarthritis, said their condition had had an impact on employment opportunities after they retired.
Researchers point out that their study was among players who performed at the highest level of the game. It is possible that the disability rate could be higher among players who were less skilled players.
British Journal of Sports Medicine 2000;34:332-7.
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