Summary
Blood group is an independent predictor of ACL tears. These tears are likely related to complex interactions at a molecular level based on genetic susceptibility. The mechanism of contact or non-contact injury of the knee may not be the only aetiological determinant of ACL tears in football players. Patients with AB blood type may be more prone to ACL tear compared to non-AB groups.
Abstract
Introduction
The ABO blood group serotype has been associated with various pathologies but its role in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear has not been elucidated yet.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between the ABO blood group and ACL tear in Greek football players.
Methods
A total of 100 patients, 89 male and 11 female professional and amateur Greek football players, with a mean age of 25 years (range, 20-32 years) were enrolled in our retrospective study. All patients had undergone bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) or hamstring (Semitendinosus/Gracilis) autograft ACL reconstruction during a 5-year period, from 2011 to 2016.
Blood samples were used to determine the ABO status and Rhesus type of the football players. The results were compared to the general population using chi-square test.
Results
75% of the players sustained an ACL tear in the right leg and 25% in the left leg.
90% of the patients were operated with ipsilateral BTB and 10% with ipsilateral hamstring tendon autograft .
The distribution of ABO blood in the Greek general population were 39,95% in blood group A, 16,03% in group B, 5,25% in group AB and 38,77% in group O. The Rhesus type were 91,41% Rh+ and 8,59% Rh-. The distribution of ABO blood group in patients with ACL tear were 33,00% in group A, 12,00% in group B, 15% in group AB and 40,00% in group O. The Rhesus type were 90,00% Rh+ and 10,00% Rh -.
The prevelence of AB blood group was significantly higher in our patients compared to the general population (P < 0.05). The association between the rest (non-AB) of the blood groups or rhesus type and ACL tear was not statistically significant (P > 0.05)
Conclusion
Blood group is an independent predictor of ACL tears. These tears are likely related to complex interactions at a molecular level based on genetic susceptibility. The mechanism of contact or non-contact injury of the knee may not be the only aetiological determinant of ACL tears in football players. Patients with AB blood type may be more prone to ACL tear compared to non-AB groups.