Comparison of Tibial Torsion Angles Between Elite Athletes and Sedentary People

Abstract

Torsion is described as a rotational deformation where a long bone turns longitudinally around its own axe. Torsion in tibia is the main reason of children’s stepping in-toe and out-toe. It not only creates orthopedic problems in the future, but also is a risk factor for lower extremity injuries. This study intends to compare Tibial Torsion Angle (TTA) of sedentary people to the soccer players of a Turkish Super Leage team. By comparing TTA angles of elite soccer players who train and compete regularly and have   high level of muscle power and endurance to the sedentary control group, it is aimed to determine whether high level soccer training effect TTA. The research was conducted between June-October 2015 on 25 elite soccer players and 25 sedantary people by measuring their right and left tibial torsion angles via transmalleolar measurement with a goniometer. Non-parametric tests were used in statistical analysis, Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparisons. There was not a significant difference in right-left measurements within groups. Between groups right TTA showed no significant difference but left TTA measurements varied significantly (p˂0.05). These findings suggest that tibial torsion angle differs according to physical activity level. It is understood that regular and long-time exercise programmes can change TTA.

Keywords

• Goniometric measurement,tibial torsion angle

References

1. (1) Abadie, P., Galaud, B., Michaut, M., Fallet, L., Boisrenoult, P., & Beaufils, P. (2009). Distal femur rotational alignment and patellar subluxation: a CT scan in vivo assessment. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res, 95(4), 267-271.
2. (2) akyildiz muge, a. c. (2011). Fitness Related Parameters of Classical Ballet Dancers as Athletes Performing Art: A Brief Review. Hacettepe Journal of Sports Sciences, 22(1), 33-42.
3. (3) Duparc, F., Thomine, J. M., Simonet, J., & Biga, N. (1992). [Femoral and tibial bone torsions associated with internal femoro-tibial osteoarthritis. Index of cumulative torsions]. Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot, 78(7), 430-437.
4. (4) Folinais, D., Thelen, P., Delin, C., Radier, C., Catonne, Y., & Lazennec, J. Y. (2013). Measuring femoral and rotational alignment: EOS system versus computed tomography. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res, 99(5), 509-516.
5. (5) Goutallier, D., Garabedian, J. M., Allain, J., & Bernageau, J. (1997). [Effect of osseous torsions of the lower limb on the development of lateral femorotibial knee arthrosis]. Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot, 83(7), 613-621.
6. (6) Liu, X., Kim, W., Drerup, B., & Mahadev, A. (2005). Tibial torsion measurement by surface curvature. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon), 20(4), 443-450.
7. (7) Mullaji, A. B., Sharma, A. K., Marawar, S. V., & Kohli, A. F. (2008). Tibial torsion in non-arthritic Indian adults: a computer tomography study of 100 limbs. Indian J Orthop, 42(3), 309-313.
8. (8) Schneider, B., Laubenberger, J., Jemlich, S., Groene, K., Weber, H. M., & Langer, M. (1997). Measurement of femoral antetorsion and tibial torsion by magnetic resonance imaging. Br J Radiol, 70(834), 575-579.

9. (9) Staheli, L. T., Corbett, M., Wyss, C., & King, H. (1985). Lower-extremity rotational problems in children. Normal values to guide management. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 67(1), 39-47.
10. (10) Staheli, L. T., & Engel, G. M. (1972). Tibial torsion: a method of assessment and a survey of normal children. Clin Orthop Relat Res, 86, 183-186.
11. (11) Strecker, W., Keppler, P., Gebhard, F., & Kinzl, L. (1997). Length and torsion of the lower limb. J Bone Joint Surg Br, 79(6), 1019-1023.
12. (12) Surenkek Ozgur, L. A. (2001). THE EFFECTS OF CLASSICAL BALLET TRAINING ON POSTURAL CHARACTERISTIC/CS OF LOWER EXTREMITY AND LUMBAR REGION. Hacettepe Journal of Sports Sciences, 12(3), 25-31.
13. (13) Tamari, K., Briffa, N. K., Tinley, P., & Aoyagi, K. (2007). Variations in torsion of the lower limb in Japanese and Caucasians with and without knee osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol, 34(1), 145-150.
14. (14) Terjesen, T., Benum, P., Anda, S., & Svenningsen, S. (1982). Increased femoral anteversion and osteoarthritis of the hip joint. Acta Orthop Scand, 53(4), 571-575.
15. (15) Yang, P. F., Kriechbaumer, A., Albracht, K., Sanno, M., Ganse, B., Koy, T., et al. (2015). On the relationship between tibia torsional deformation and regional muscle contractions in habitual human exercises in vivo. J Biomech, 48(3), 456-464.