Investigation of the relationship between genu-varum abnormality and sports injuries; a systematic review

Musculoskeletal abnormalities expose sufferers to many complications, such as an increased risk of injury, by changing the skeletal alignment and thus changing the angles and forces applied on different structures of the motor system. Genu-varum is a common condition that can predispose an athlete to injury. The aim of this review study was to evaluate the sports injuries associated with knee genu-varum.This study was conducted by searching Persian and English articles from the year ۲۰۰۰ and through the Science Direct, PubMed, Civilica and Magiran search engines and other valid medical and sports journals. Our initial search found ۱۵۸ articles and ۸ books. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study, only ۲۷ articles spoke directly about the effect or association of genu-varum in the incidence of sports injuries.Genu-varum causes poor postural control due to biomechanical changes due to disturbance of normal anatomical orientation and effect on articular feedback or sensory receptors in the muscles and structures of the knee joint. Decreased activation of the Gluteus-medius and Quadratus-lumborum muscles reduces lateral stability and increases the risk of injury. Genu-varum can be a factor of changing the center of mass, which can lead to ACL and ankle ligament rupture. Genu-varum also reduces the Q angle and changes the neuromuscular control of the Gluteus-maximus and medius , causing the hip internal rotation and adduction, resulting in pronation, predisposing the athlete to Achilles tendonitis. The articles also showed in genu-varum increased muscle activity on the lateral lower extremity chain, to reduce varus stress, increases the risk of injury.In general, this study concluded that genu-varum deformities have many side effects, and when they occur, joint forces, mechanical adequacy of the muscles, feedback from the hip and knee joints, and the level of proprioception are affected and this can lead to changes in neuromuscular function and control of the lower extremities. This disorder in neuromuscular function and control increases the risk of sport related injuries.

کلیدواژه ها:

Genu-varum ، Knee ، Sport Injury ، Risk factor