Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) Practice Test

While evaluating an athlete's hip, an athletic trainer notes an angle of torsion and visually identifies which condition?

1. Coxa valga

2. Coxa vara

3. Femoral torsion

4. Hip anteversion

The correct answer is: Hip anteversion

The identification of the condition based on the observed angle of torsion leads to understanding hip anteversion. This condition is characterized by an increased angle of torsion, which refers to the angle formed between the femur's neck and its condyles in the transverse plane. In cases of hip anteversion, the femoral head is rotated more forward than normal, which often results in a more pronounced internal rotation of the hip during movement. Athletes with hip anteversion may present with a "toeing-in" gait due to this excess internal rotation. This condition can affect biomechanics and may also increase the risk of certain injuries due to altered movement patterns. Recognizing hip anteversion through physical evaluation is critical as it influences rehabilitation strategies and preventative measures for athletic training. The other conditions listed, such as coxa valga, coxa vara, and femoral torsion, involve different structural and angular relationships of the hip and femur. Coxa valga and coxa vara refer to changes in the angle of inclination of the hip, while femoral torsion describes the overall twisting of the femur rather than a specific increased angle of torsion. Each of these conditions presents distinct clinical signs and implications. By accurately identifying hip anteversion, the trainer can