Osteoarthritis and joint replacements of the lower limb and spine in ex-professional soccer players: A systematic review

After a professional career as a soccer player, the risk of developing osteoarthritis (OA) in different joints of the spine and lower limb might be increased. The extent of this problem to date is not clear. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to summarize the prevalence of OA and joint replacement of the lower limb and spine in former professional soccer players. Relevant databases were searched with different combinations of key words: for example, OA, hip, knee, ankle, foot, joint replacement, soccer. Studies were included if they were original research, included a sample of former professional male soccer players, and had OA in the lower limb and/or spine; OA was diagnosed either through questionnaires or X-rays; and the article is in English, Dutch, or German. Sixteen studies with 1576 former players and 2153 control subjects were included in the review. Studies agreed that the prevalence of hip OA and hip replacements is significantly higher in former players compared to the control group. For the ankle and spine, there is only limited information, and for the prevalence of knee OA and knee replacement, the results are contradictory. The quality of the included studies was moderate. Future studies should have a prospective design to control for confounding factors, to identify possible risk factors and consequences for the individuals, and to be able to develop a prevention program.