Predictor factors for lower extremity malalignment and non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injuries in male athletes

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the predictor factors concerning the lower extremity alignment in non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among male athletes.

Methods: In a retrospective study, the unilateral navicular drop, the ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), internal tibia torsion, knee genu recurvatum, quadriceps angle, hip internal and external rotation ROM and hip anteversion were measured in 53 subjects with complete ACL injury and compared with these accepted standard values. To identify predictor factors for lower extremity alignment and non-contact ACL injuries in male athletes, a multiple logistic regression analysis method was performed. All the subjects were primarily assessed with activity modification and without an ACL reconstruction.

Results: The results of this study showed significant predictor correlations between the independent variables, ankle dorsiflexion, hip internal rotation and hip anteversion (p < 0.05). However, the differences in navicular drop, internal tibia torsion, knee hyperextension, Q angle and hip external rotation were non-significant.

Conclusion: According to these findings, a decreased ROM in ankle dorsiflexion, hip internal rotation and increased hip anteversion appeared to be statistically significant predictors for developing non-contact ACL ligament injuries in male athletes. Based on the results of this study, significant predictor factors between lower extremity alignment and ACL injuries are clinically relevant as it confirms the existence of increased injury risk with certain patterns of skeletal alignment.

Level of evidence: II.

Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament; Athletes; Lower extremity alignment; Non-contact injury.