The Study of Static Lower Extremity Alignment in Female Athletes with ACL Injury

The aim of the present study was to investigate three important mal-alignments (pronation, tibial torsion and Q angle) as risk factors in ACL tear in professional female athletes. Twenty ACL – injured females (age 24.90? 5.75 years, height 167.05? 6.58 cm, mass 60.88? 5.58 and athletic experiences 7.70? 4.41 years) and 20 uninjured females (age 24.80? 5.59 years, height 166.15? 6.39 cm, mass 60.20? 6.08 and athletic experience 7.00? 3.69 years who were the injured female's counterparts based on their age, sport field and injured limb) participated in this study. Navicular drop, tibial torsion and Q angle were measured in both limbs. Mechanism of injury was non-contact in about 90% of cases. In 17 cases (58%), a medial meniscus injury was reported. The findings showed a significant difference in pronation and tibial torsion between groups (P<0.05). These was no significant difference in Q angle between groups (P<0.05). Also there was no significant difference in lower extremity alignment between injured and uninjured limbs of ACL-injured group. Therefore, it is suggested that the biomechanical risk factors are identified and athletes with hyper-pronation and internal tibial torsion are screened as they may be predisposed to ACL injury. It is also necessary for coaches to apply corrective and prevention programs.