Purpose: Our purpose was to investigate whether there is an association between decreased hip range of motion and noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in soccer players.
Methods: In this case-control study, 50 soccer players with noncontact ACL injuries confirmed by surgery had their hips examined and compared with those of a control group. Findings were statistically analyzed according to 2 cutoff points (70 degrees and 80 degrees of total internal-external rotation sum) for both groups.
Results: A significant decrease in hip range of motion was found in 38% of all individuals studied at the lower cutoff point (70 degrees ) and for 64% at the upper cutoff point (80 degrees ). The decrease in hip range of motion was greater in the group with ruptured ACLs than in the control group, with little difference between the 2 cutoff points (70 degrees and 80 degrees ). The difference between patients and control subjects was statistically significant (P < .001).
Conclusions: There was a strong association between decreased hip range of motion and ACL ruptures in soccer players, not only but mainly because of internal rotation lessening. Despite lacking comparison with other sports, our findings showed a higher decrease in hip range of motion in the group of soccer players when compared with the general population.
Level of evidence: Level III, prognostic case-control study.