Association between leg length discrepancy and femoroacetabular impingement syndrome in tennis players
A case-control study
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the association between leg length discrepancy (LLD) and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome in tennis players.
Materials and method: 14 tennis players diagnosed with FAI (cases) according to Warwick’s criteria were consecutively selected and matched, based on age and sex, with 14 tennis players without FAI (controls). As a measure of association, the odds ratio (OR), with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI), was calculated. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: A total of 28 subjects (14 cases and 14 controls) were included in the study. LLD was present in 64.3% (9 subjects) of the case group and in 57.1% (8 subjects) of the control group. LLD was not a risk factor for the development of FAI [OR 2 (95% CI 0.1 – 117.1; p=0.99)]. LLD variable ≥1.2 cm was not associated with FAI either. [OR 1 (95% CI 0.01 – 78.5; p=0.9)].
Conclusion: No association between LLD and FAI was found. LLD may not be considered a risk factor for the development of FAI in tennis players.
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