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identify if lower extremity malalignments were associated with increased
propensity of a history of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures
in males and females using a case control design. Twenty subjects
(10 males, 10 females) had a history of ACL injury and twenty (10
males, 10 females) had no history of ACL injury. Subjects were assessed
for navicular drop, quadriceps angle, pelvic tilt, hip internal and
external rotation range of motion, and true and apparent leg length
discrepancies. Statistical analysis was performed to identify differences
in these measures in regard to injury history and gender, and to identify
if any of these measures were predictive of ACL injury history. Increased
navicular drop and anterior pelvic tilt were found to be statistically
significant predictors of ACL injury history regardless of gender.
Limbs that had previously suffered ACL ruptures were found to have
increased navicular drop and anterior pelvic tilt compared to uninjured
limbs. Based on the results of this retrospective study, the lower
extremity malalignments examined do not appear to predispose females
to tearing their ACLs more than males.
KEY
WORDS: Hyperpronation, navicular drop, pelvic tilt, quadriceps
angle.
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