RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Ankle osteoarthritis and its association with severe ankle injuries, ankle surgeries and health-related quality of life in recently retired professional male football and rugby players: a cross-sectional observational study
JF BMJ Open
JO BMJ Open
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP e036775
DO 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-036775
VO 10
IS 6
A1 Liam D. A. Paget
A1 Haruhito Aoki
A1 Simon Kemp
A1 Mike Lambert
A1 Clint Readhead
A1 Keith A Stokes
A1 Wayne Viljoen
A1 Gustaaf Reurink
A1 Johannes L Tol
A1 Gino M M J Kerkhoffs
A1 Vincent Gouttebarge
YR 2020
UL http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/10/6/e036775.abstract
AB Objectives To determine (1) the prevalence of ankle osteoarthritis (OA) among former professional football and rugby players, (2) assess the association between ankle injuries or ankle surgeries with ankle OA, and (3) compare the mental and physical quality of life (QoL) between former professional football and rugby players with and without OA.Methods We conducted a questionnaire-based observational study with a cross-sectional design. Former professional football and rugby players were recruited by the Football Players Worldwide and the International Rugby Players. Information concerning ankle OA, sustained ankle injuries and ankle surgeries was gathered (medical record or most recent medical professional). Health-related QoL was assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical and mental health scores.Results Overall, 553 former professional football (n=401) and rugby (n=152) players were enrolled in the study (response rate of 56%). Ankle OA prevalence among former professional football and rugby players was 9.2% and 4.6%, respectively. Football players were more likely to suffer from ankle OA following every ankle injury and/or surgery. Football and rugby players with ankle OA had similar PROMIS physical and mental health scores to the norm for the general population.Conclusion Former professional football and rugby players had higher ankle OA prevalence than the general population (3.4%). Football players are more likely to suffer from ankle OA following every ankle injury and/or surgery. No clinically relevant difference was seen for physical or mental health-related QoL among football and rugby players. Preventive measures for ankle injuries are recommended.