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Degenerative joint disease in ballet dancers
S Andersson1, B Nilsson, T Hessel
1Department of Orthopedics, Malmo General Hospital, Lund University, Sweden.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Retired dancers show higher rates of degenerative joint disease, particularly hip osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis) and metatarsophalangeal joint issues. This study highlights the long-term impact of dance on lower limb joint health.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Professional dancers undergo intense physical stress on their lower limbs.
- The long-term effects of such stress on joint health are not fully understood.
- Degenerative joint disease can significantly impact quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of degenerative joint disease in retired professional dancers.
- To compare the incidence of specific joint conditions in dancers versus the general population.
- To identify joints most affected by arthrosis in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 44 retired dancers was examined.
- Assessment focused on degenerative joint disease in the lower limbs.
- Specific conditions documented included coxarthrosis, tibio-femoral arthrosis, knee osteophytosis, patellofemoral arthrosis, chondrocalcinosis, and ankle arthrosis.
Main Results:
- Six cases of coxarthrosis (hip osteoarthritis) were identified, a significantly higher rate than in the general population.
- Over half of the studied dancers exhibited arthrosis in the metatarsophalangeal joints.
- Additional findings included cases of tibio-femoral arthrosis, knee osteophytosis, patellofemoral arthrosis, chondrocalcinosis, and ankle arthrosis.
Conclusions:
- Retired dancers have an elevated risk of developing degenerative joint disease, especially in the hips and metatarsophalangeal joints.
- The findings suggest a link between the demands of professional dancing and the development of osteoarthritis.
- Further research is warranted to explore preventative strategies and management for dancers.