The musculoskeletal health of retired elite women footballers.

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to describe the musculoskeletal health of retired elite women's footballers, with a particular emphasis on hip, knee, and ankle pain and function. Retired elite women's footballers (18 years or older) were surveyed on their history of severe hip, knee, and ankle injuries, and previous joint surgery. Validated questionnaires (e.g. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Physical Function Short Form (KOOS-PS)) were used to assess health outcomes, such as level of function and pain. Sixty-two respondents completed the survey (mean age 35.5 years, mean age at retirement 30.5 years). Nineteen (30.6%) retired players reported experiencing hip pain at least once per month. Forty-four (71%) participants had at least one severe knee injury during their career, with nearly a third (<i>n</i> = 20, 32.3%) experiencing knee pain on a weekly basis. The majority (<i>n</i> = 48, 77.4%) of participants had experienced at least one severe ankle injury during their career. Hip, knee and ankle pain was associated with a history of severe hip, knee, or ankle injury during a playing career. A history of ankle surgery was associated with ankle pain. Mean KOOS-PS score (84.7) was lower than that seen in the general population, while hip/ankle outcome measures were comparable to the general population. Musculoskeletal complaints, especially knee-related issues, are common among retired elite women's footballers, and are associated with severe injuries during a player's career. Collaborative injury prevention efforts are likely to lead to positive health benefits for current, future and former elite women's footballers.