Differences between the Craig’s test and computed tomography in measuring femoral anteversion in patients with anterior cruciate ligament injuries

[Purpose] This study aimed to compare the Craig’s test and computed tomography (CT) in measuring the femoral anteversion angle (FAA) in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The relationship between the FAA measured on CT, and the range of axial rotation of the hip joint and muscle tightness around the hip joint was also investigated. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-six patients who received CT examination within 3 months after ACL reconstruction were enrolled in this study. The Craig’s test, internal and external rotation of the hip, the Ely test, Ober’s test, and FAA on the CT were assessed. [Results] The FAA on the Craig’s test and CT in female patients was 24.3 ± 3.9° and 23.0 ± 10.3°, respectively on the uninjured side and 25.0 ± 5.2° and 20.3 ± 11.2°, respectively on the injured side, indicating no significant correlation between the 2 measurement techniques. In contrast, the FAA on the CT was significantly correlated with the range of internal rotation of the hip, which was 40.5 ± 6.1° on the uninjured side and 37.8 ± 5.6° on the injured side. [Conclusion] The results suggest that measuring the internal hip rotation range rather than the Craig’s test, provides more reliable estimates of the magnitude of FAA, and may help to evaluate the risk of ACL injuries in female athletes.