Abstract
Purpose of the study A prospective observational study to ascertain any correlation between joint laxity and knee hyperextension to anterior cruciate ligament rupture.
Methods used Joint laxity as defined by Beighton’s method and hyperextension of uninjured knee in 169 patients with symptomatic isolated anterior cruciate ligament rupture was recorded in a prospective fashion. This was correlated to the scores obtained in a selected group of age and sex matched controls
Results 72 out of 169 of the patients had hyperlaxity in their joints and 133 out of 169 had knee hyperextension. In the control group 14 out of 65 had hyperlaxity in their joints and 24 out of 65 had knee hyperextension.
Statistical analysis showed that ACL injury was common in those with lax joints and with knee hyperextension with a p < 0.001
Conclusion ACL injury is common in patients with joint laxity especially in those with knee hyperextension.
Correspondence should be addressed to Roger Smith, Honorary Secretary, BASK c/o Royal College of Surgeons, 35 – 43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PN
