Effect of Hip Mobility, Quadriceps Angle, Tibial Torsion, and Body Mass Index in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: A Cross-sectional, Observational Study

Background: The prevalence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is very high, which could lead to knee instability. The majority of ACL injuries occur through noncontact mechanisms. Many studies have focused on surgical and rehabilitative strategies, and there are very few studies on hip mobility, quadriceps-angle (Q-angle), tibial torsion, and body mass index (BMI) in individuals with ACL injury. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine hip mobility, Q-angle, tibial torsion, and BMI in ACL injuries. Methods: Seventy patients, out of which 35 subjects with ACL injuries (within 3 months of injury) and 35 subjects with ACL reconstruction (ACLR) (post 4 weeks), were selected. The group was divided based on conservative and surgical management, where we assessed the outcome measures. The outcome measures included were hip active internal rotation and external rotation, Q-angle, tibial torsion, BMI, and modified Lysholm score. Results: Restricted hip internal rotation, increased tibial torsion, and higher BMI were associated with an increased risk of ACL injury, as indicated by significant odds ratios ( P < 0.05). Hip internal rotation and BMI shows higher risk among these parameters. It was found that there were no statistically significant differences in Q-angle and hip external rotation in ACL ruptures and ACLR groups. Conclusion: The current study suggests that the restricted internal rotation, increased tibial torsion, andobesity are associated with the increased risk of ACL injuries. The ACL group who were managed conservatively showed increased tibial torsion and BMI compared to the ACLR group.