Playing Football as a Risk Factor for Lower Leg Malalignment?—Comparing Lower Leg Axis of Male Adolescent Football Players and Referees

The prevalence of varus knee malalignment among junior and adult football players (FP) has proven to be higher compared other sports. No causal relationship yet been found, as genu varum can assumed an independent risk factor for the development osteoarthritis. purpose this study is compare alignment measurements sport-specific data adolescent referees (REF). Knee was detected by measuring intercondylar/intermalleolar distance (ICD/IMD) well Hip–Knee–Ankle angle (HKA) using a standardized digital frontal-plane photograph. Anthropometric sports-related (training/match exposure, seasons actively played, etc.) were collected means questionnaires (Clinical trial registration number: DRKS00020446). A total 28 male FP 29 REF included in survey. mean age 17.4 ± 0.7 years. two groups did not differ significantly age, height, weight, BMI, overall football/refereeing exposure per week (FP vs. REF: 274 285 min/week, p = 0.61). HKA lower (toward varus) than that (177.6° 2.4° 179.0° 2.4°; < 0.001). However, ICD (FP: 17 25 mm, 13 27 mm; 0.55). environment with frequent seems have influence on leg axis deviation REF. For prevention osteoarthritis FP, advanced understanding essential and, therefore, needs further research.