Prevalence of Asymptomatic Intra-articular Changes of the Knee in Adult Professional Soccer Players

Abstract

Background: Currently, there are few data on the association between participation in soccer and the condition of the knee joints in adult professional players. Hypothesis: A high percentage of professional soccer players will have asymptomatic intra-articular changes of the knee. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The condition of the intra-articular structures (osteophytes, cartilage, and menisci) in 94 knee joints of 47 adult professional soccer players (mean ± SD age, 25.7 ± 4.6 years; body mass index, 22.8 ± 1.4 kg/m2) was analyzed. A 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging scanner was used to perform the imaging, and the anonymized data were analyzed by 2 experienced radiologists. Results: Cartilage of both knee joints was affected in 97.9% of soccer players. Meniscal lesions were detected in 97.8% of joints, affecting both joints in 93.6% of athletes. Grade 2 cartilage lesions were the most prevalent (36%-60% depending on the lesion site), and grade 4 lesions were detected in 12.7% of joints. The medial femoral condyle and medial tibial plateau were most frequently affected by cartilage lesions (85.1%). Among meniscal lesions, grade 2 lesions were the most prevalent, being detected in 71% of the cases. Grade 3 lesions were detected in 13.8% of the joints. The posterior horn of the lateral meniscus was the most common site of meniscal lesions (affected in 95.7% of the joints). Osteophytes were detected in 4.2% of joints. Conclusion: The prevalence of asymptomatic cartilage and meniscal lesions in the knees of adult professional soccer players is extremely high and is not associated with the reduction of sports involvement. This research should promote the correct interpretation of magnetic resonance imaging data obtained from soccer players with acute trauma and the reduction of the number of unwarranted surgical procedures.

Asymptomatic Foot and Ankle Abnormalities in Elite Professional Soccer Players

“…Two, the imaging appearance of the articular cartilage of the foot and ankle joints was assessed with a modified Noyes and Stabler scale, 23 as used in our previous work 6 and validated for our setting: Grade 0: normal thickness and signal; Grade 1: normal thickness with an altered signal; Grade 2: superficial partial-thickness cartilage defect (<50% of the total cartilage thickness affected); Grade 3: deep partial-thickness cartilage defect (>50% of the total cartilage thickness affected); Grade 4: full-thickness chondral defect with exposure of subchondral bone …”

Differences in the Demographics and Preferred Management of Knee Cartilage Injuries in Soccer Players Across FIFA Centers of Excellence

“…13-18 In addition, previous studies focusing on soccer players showed good results with various cartilage repair techniques. 1-3 In this study the most common surgical treatment across all FMCE in the past 10 years was bone marrow stimulation/microfracture, followed by debridement. Twelve centers (80%) from around the world reported on performing bone marrow stimulation/microfracture in 1% to 80% of their surgical cartilage cases.…”

“…Soccer players have an overall high prevalence of knee articular cartilage lesions (from 36% in asymptomatic players and up to 98% in symptomatic). 1-4 This high prevalence, which includes different lesion grades and locations, is attributed to the high prevalence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscal injuries, as well as the inherent risks of the game. 1,2,5 The symptomatic articular cartilage lesions may lead to reduced athletic performance, an early career ending, and also early onset of knee osteoarthritis.…”

Medial Meniscus Repair in Major League Soccer Players Results in Decreased Performance Metrics for One Year and Shortened Career Longevity

“…They identified meniscal lesions in 97.8% of joints and cartilage lesions in both knees in 97.9% of soccer players. 8 The purpose of our retrospective review is to investigate the impact of medial meniscus repair on player performances and longevity in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top tier professional soccer league in the United States of America. We hypothesize that players will have reduced performance metrics after medial meniscus repair.…”