Analysis of Visual Risk Factors of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury of Knee Joint

This study aimed to explore whether the defect of visual function is a risk factor of knee anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sports injury and to provide a theoretical basis for the primary prevention of ACL sports injury. This cross-sectional study included 392 participants divided into two groups: the sports injury group (287 with sports injury of knee) and the control group (105 healthy volunteers). Participants in the sports injury group were further divided into the ACL-Intact group (133) and the ACL-Deficient group (154). Participants in the sports injury group received a questionnaire about the conditions of their injury (including injury action, site condition, weather, contact) and a visual examination by synoptophore (including binocular vision, subjective and objective oblique angle, visual fusion range, stereoacuity). Participants in the control group only received the visual examination. In the end, we found that low visual fusion range (p = 0.003) and injury action, especially quick turn (p = 0.001), sudden stop (p < 0.001) and jump (p = 0.001), are the major risk factors for ACL injury in the analysis of the integrated data. In addition, athletes with low vision fusion range have increased risk of ACL sports injury when they make a sudden stop on wooden floor, plastic floor or cement floor on cloudy days (OR = 13.208). Visual factors, especially low fusion range, significantly increase the risk of ACL sports injury.

Automated summary

This study found that visual function defect, especially low visual fusion range, is a risk factor for knee anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sports injury. Quick turn, sudden stop, and jump during sports activities are also major risk factors.