Lesions of the Lumbar Region in Asymptomatic Young Soccer Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Athletes generally exceed the limits of the body, which can result in various lesions. The pediatric musculoskeletal system is particularly susceptible to lesions through overuse for various reasons including an immature growth plate. While spinal column lesions are relatively rare, they can lead to permanent disability. Studies on spinal lesions in young athletes are rare. To assess abnormalities frequency of the lumbar region in asymptomatic young soccer players.Methods: Cross-sectional study. Male adolescents from schools of grassroots soccer clubs and non-practicing activity controls were included by convenience. The abnormalities frequency. of the lumbar region was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), performed using 1.5T devices with multi-channel coils in model equipment models. The types of lesions evaluated were general, warning signs, instituted, anterior and posterior, and of the column. Comparisons between groups and the relative percentage of each lesion type were compared by Pearson’s chi-squared test and Fischer’s exact test. The inter and intra-observer analyses were compared by the Kappa test.Results: Forty-five adolescents were included, of whom 25 (56%) were soccer-practicing teenagers. No significant differences were identified between the variables age (P=0.960) and the body mass index (BMI) Z-score (P=0.540) between the group of soccer players and the controls. However, the percentages of lesions (general, instituted, anterior and posterior, and in the spinal column) were significantly higher in the practicing football group than in the control group (P=0.002, P<0.001, P= 0.012, and P=0.006, respectively).Conclusion: Young adolescent asymptomatic soccer players have more lumbar spine lesions than less active controls who do not practice sports regularly.