Increased Femoral Neck Anteversion is Prevalent in Male Elite Youth Soccer Players with Chronic Ankle Instability

The aim of this study was to compare femoral neck anteversion (FNA) and determine the prevalence of increased FNA in male elite youth soccer players with and without chronic ankle instability (CAI). Secondary aims were to evaluate the utility of FNA in predicting CAI and compare ankle and hip muscle strength in the two groups.

The study included a total of 44 male elite youth soccer players, 22 with CAI (mean age 16.09 ± 1.34) and 22 without CAI (mean age 16.73 ± 1.28). FNA was measured with Craig’s test, range of motion (ROM) was measured with a universal goniometer, and ankle and hip maximum voluntary isometric strength (MVIS) was measured with a handheld dynamometer.

The mean FNA angles of the CAI and control groups were 15.82° ± 1.44° and 12.09° ± 2.37°, respectively (p > 0.05). FNA was greater than 15° in 72% of the CAI group versus 4% of the control group (p < 0.05). A 1° increase in FNA was associated with threefold higher odds of having CAI (odds ratio 3.06, 95% confidence ratio: 1.37–6.81, p < 0.01). Mean ankle eversion and hip abduction MVIS values were 2.67 ± 0.52 Nm/kg and 3.83 ± 0.48 Nm/kg in the CAI group, compared to 3.03 ± 0.58 Nm/kg and 4.46 ± 0.98 Nm/kg in the control group, respectively (p < 0.05).

Male elite youth soccer players with CAI had greater FNA and were more likely to have increased FNA than those without CAI. They also exhibited ankle eversion and hip abduction muscle strength deficiencies compared to peers without CAI. FNA may be useful as a predictor of CAI in male elite youth soccer players.