Abstract
The Authors studied the possible development of degenerative changes in 60 hips of 30 ex-distance runners and ex-long-jumpers who had competed ata national level and had given up competitive sport at least 25 years previously. Careful clinical and radiological examination was carried out with particular attention to certain radiographic parameters. The Authors conclude that intensive, long-term sports activity contributes in no way to degenerative hip disease, and that the origin of so-called primary degenerative arthritis of the hip must be sought in morphological changes seen in hip radiographs which may be evaluated by linear and angular parameters. They suggest that the continuous joint movement might have delayed the occurrence of a degenerative process which would inevitably have arisen due to mechanical changes within the joint.
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