According to an unprecedented survey of retired National Football League players reported in the March issue of the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) raises the risk of specific types of of musculoskeletal injuries.

It was remarked by senior author Kevin Guskiewicz, Ph.D., A.T.C., Professor of Exercise and Sport Science and Research Director at The Center for the Study of Retired Athletes at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill that compounded medical complications associated with use of steroids (with negative effect on joint health) could possibly lead to chronic diseases later in life.

From Medicalnewstoday.com:

Overall, 9.1 percent of the players said they had used AAS. Those who played positions requiring the greatest size and strength had the highest rates of steroid use: 16.3 percent for offensive linemen and 14.8 percent for defensive linemen. Among players who played primarily during the 1980s, 20.3 percent reported using AAS.

Players who used AAS reported more injuries affecting the joint ligaments and cartilage almost literally from head to toe. Steroid users had higher rates of neck “stinger” or “burner” injuries; herniated spinal disks; elbow injuries; injuries to the knee ligaments and menisci; and injuries of the ankle, foot, and toes.

There was no steroid-related increase in the risk of injuries to the muscle itself, such as biceps or triceps ruptures, and no increase in shoulder injuries. Somewhat surprisingly, AAS use was not associated with an increased risk of tendon injuries. Based on previous studies, the researchers had suspected that tendons might be at increased risk because they could not match the rapid increase in muscle size and strength.

The lead author was Scott Horn, D.O., of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in the UNC School of Medicine.