Increased risk of knee injuries and osteoarthritis in the non-dominant leg of former professional football players.
The aim of the study was to evaluate differences in knee injuries and osteoarthritis between the dominant and non-dominant legs of former professional football players. The study cohort comprised 40 retired professional players with an average age of 49.2 years. Participants completed a questionnaire about their sports and personal history with special emphasis on knee injuries/operations of the dominant and non-dominant leg. Bilateral standing knee radiographs were taken. Overall, 29 footballers (73%) had experienced at least one moderate or severe knee injury and 18 (40%) had undergone at least one knee operation during their career. Among those injured, 14 (35%) players had suffered a dominant knee injury and 22 (55%) a non-dominant knee injury. Evidence of osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence scale > or = 2) was found in 17 (43%) dominant and 23 (58%) non-dominant knees. Professional football players have a significant risk of knee injuries and early osteoarthritis with preponderance in the non-dominant leg.
Krajnc
Zmago
Z
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Clinical Center Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia. zmago.krajnc@guest.arnes.si
Vogrin
Matjaz
M
Recnik
Gregor
G
Crnjac
Anton
A
Drobnic
Matej
M
Antolic
Vane
V
D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015331:Cohort Studies; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D012307:Risk Factors; D017524:Slovenia; D012916:Soccer / Q000293:injuries*