Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of different osteoarticular femoral and tibial morphology and morphometric parameters with the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture.
Methods: Thirty-six patients (29 male and 7 female) with an ACL rupture (<6 months) and 36 age and sex-matched controls were included. The anatomomorphological parameters and morphometrics of the distal epiphysis of the femur and proximal epiphysis of the tibia were measured through conventional lateral radiography of the knee.
Results: It was found statistically significant smaller heights of femur's lateral condyle, AP distances of the tibial plateaus and smaller XY and WX distances, as well as, higher XY/AB and B/AB ratios (p < 0.05). In turn, women had smaller AP distances of the femur's lateral condyle, AP distances of the femur's diaphysis, AP distances of the tibial plateaus and heights of femur's lateral condyle, as well as, higher values of XY/AB (Porto ratio) and B/AB ratios (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: Several femoral and tibial bone morphological parameters were identified as potential risk factors for sustaining an ACL injury. These parameters are clinically relevant to identify individuals with higher risk of ACL injury, decide between conservative or surgical treatment and identify individuals who may benefit from preventive neuromuscular programs.
Level of evidence: Case-control study, Level III.
Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament; Bone morphology; Knee; Radiography; Risk factor.