Investigating the Role of Proximal Femoral Morphology in Non-Contact ACL Injuries: A Comparative Study

Abstract Purpose: Non-contact ACL injury is a common and debilitating injury among athletes, with high rates of recurrence and long-term consequences. Identifying individuals who are at risk of ACL injury can help prevent or reduce the severity of these injuries. The aim of this study is to assess the role of alpha angle in patients with ACL rupture. Methodology: This is a case-control study which includes a total of 105 subjects. Hip radiographs were taken in all the subjects using the modified Dunn View radiograph with patient in supine position, hip flexed 45 o and abducted 20 o . Osirix MD was used to analyse the radiographs and SPSS v.23 for statistical analysis. Results: The majority of injuries were caused by football (58.1%), followed by jumping sports (23.8%) and skiing (18.1%). A mean difference of 5 o of the alpha angle between the groups was measured. Statistical tests showed significant difference between the groups (p<0.001) and logistic regression showing 12-20% risk increase for every degree of alpha angle raise. Conclusion: The findings showed a substantial correlation between higher alpha angles and an increased likelihood of ACL injury, with patients who ruptured their ACLs having higher mean alpha angles than those who did not. We recommend that young athletes who are actively participating in sports have their hip alpha angles measured so that those with higher alpha angle can follow special prevention programs.