Former cricketers 'more likely to experience osteoarthritis and joint surgery'

Elite-level cricketers are more likely than most to experience osteoarthritis and other related bone health issues, according to new research. The University of Oxford-led study, which was supported by theArthritis Research UK Centre for Sport,Exercise andOsteoarthritis* and the England and Wales Cricket Board, has offered evidence that more needs to be done to monitor and address the specific health risks associated with the sport, and to offer tailored support for those in need. The impact of cricket on musculoskeletal health For this research, a group of 113 former elite cricket players were asked to complete a health questionnaire, with their results compared to those of 4,496 members of the general public. According to results published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, a total of 51.3 per cent of former cricketers went on to develop osteoarthritis, which is significantly higher than the rest of the population. Moreover, 14.7 per cent and 10.7 per cent respectively underwent total hip orknee replacement surgery after their playing careers had ended, which again is much higher than the rate seen among the general public. Although this study does indicate that former elite cricket players may be at increased risk of developing osteoarthritis, the exact reason behind this is unclear. Other risk factors may also have added to this increased risk, such as body mass index scores, family history or injury. The need for better monitoring of health risks However, t...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news