Risk factors associated with noncontact injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament in male athletes

Aim. The aim of this paper was to determine the risk factors associated with noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injuries among male athletes Methods. In a retrospective study, 106 subjects (male athletes) were evaluated. 53 subjects had a complete ACL injury. 53 subjects had no history of ACL injury to either limb and served as controls. Unilateral navicular drop test, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, quadriceps angle, hip internal and external rotation range of motion, hip anteversion, internal tibia torsion, and knee genii recurvatum were measured. In addition, the athlete's height, weight, age, sport history and sessions were recorded. All the subjects were primarily assessed with activity modification and without anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. All the anterior cruciate ligament injuries occurred during sport participation between 1 and 6 months before the study. Results. The results of this study showed a significant difference between the two groups in terms of the averages of the variables internal tibial torsion, hip internal rotation, ankle dorsi flexion, navicular drop and hip anteversion (P<0.05). However, the difference in Q angle, hip external rotation, and knee hyperextention was not significant (P>0.05). Conclusion. According to the finding of the current research, decreased range of motion in ankle dorsi flexion, hip internal rotation, internal tibial torsion, increased hip anteversion and navicular drop were identified as risk factors to noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injuries in male athletes.