Increased knee torsional misalignment associated with femoral torsion is related to non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injury: a case–control study

Abstract

Background Altered axial biomechanics of the knee are recognized as a risk factor for non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. However, the relationship of knee and segmental torsion to non-contact ACL and combined anterolateral ligament (ALL) injury is unclear. This study aims to determine the relationship of knee and segmental torsion to non-contact ACL injury and to explore their relationship with ALL injuries. Methods We divided 122 patients with arthroscopically confirmed non-contact ACL injuries into an ACL injury group (isolated ACL injury, 63 patients) and an ACL + ALL injury group (ACL combined with ALL injury,59 patients). Additionally, 90 normal patients with similar age, gender and body mass index (BMI) were matched as a control group. The tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, distal femoral torsion (DFT), posterior femoral condylar torsion (PFCT) and proximal tibial torsion (PTT) were measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We assessed the differences between the groups using an independent samples t test and utilized receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to determine the cut-off value for the increased risk of ACL injury. Results In patients with ACL injury, the measurements of the TT-TG (11.8 ± 3.1 mm), DFT (7.7° ± 3.5°) and PFCT (3.6° ± 1.3°) were significantly higher compared to the control group (9.1 ± 2.4 mm, 6.3° ± 2.7° and 2.8° ± 1.3°, respectively; P < 0.05), but the PTT did not differ between the two groups. The TT-TG, DFT and PFCT were not significantly larger in patients combined with ALL injury. ROC curve analysis revealed ACL injury is associated with TT-TG, DFT and PFCT. Conclusions Knee torsional alignment is associated with ACL injury, predominantly in the distal femur rather than the proximal tibia. However, its correlation with ALL injury remains unclear. These findings may help identify patients at high risk for non-contact ACL injury and inform the development of targeted prevention and treatment strategies.