Range of motion and radiographic analysis of the hip in patients with contact and non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injury.

PURPOSE

To compare the range of motion (ROM) and radiography of the hip joints in male patients with contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and non-contact ACL injury.

METHODS

ROM of the ipsilateral hip was evaluated in 35 male patients with contact ACL injury (contact group) and compared to that of 45 male patients with a non-contact ACL injury (non-contact group). Radiographic evaluation of hip joints was also performed to assess the presence of cam and pincer-type deformity .

RESULTS

ROM of the hip joint was statistically higher in patients with contact ACL injury. The average sum of hip rotation in the non-contact group was 66.1 ± 8.4° compared to 79.4 ± 10.6° for the contact group (p < 0.001). Seventy-seven per cent of patients in the non-contact group had a sum of hip rotation <70° and 93 % had <80°, compared to17.1 and 42.9 % in the contact group (p < 0.001). Prevalence of cam or pincer deformity was similar in the groups. Cam or pincer deformity was not more frequent in patients with limited ROM of the hip.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with contact ACL injury had greater ROM of the hip joints than those with non-contact ACL injury. The presence of cam or pincer deformity was similar in both groups and was not related to decreased ROM of the hip joints. These findings may assist the surgeons to identify new risk factors for non-contact ACL injury and, additionally, develop prevention program of injury.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.