Dermatoglyphics as a Risk Indicator for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Futsal Athletes

Background: Identifying factors that predispose futsal athletes to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. This study aimed to determine whether specific dermatoglyphic markers are associated with an increased risk of ACL injury in this population. Methods: This retrospective case-control study analyzed 212 former male futsal athletes, divided into an injury group (n = 85 with a history of ACL injury) and a control group (n = 127 without injury). Fingerprint patterns (arches, loops, and whorls) and quantitative line counts were collected and analyzed using the dermatoglyphics method. Chi-square tests and log-linear regression were used for statistical analysis. Results: While no significant differences were found in the quantitative line counts between groups (p > 0.05), a significant association was identified for specific fingerprint patterns. The spiral whorl (WS) pattern on the left index finger (p = 0.043) and the right little finger (p = 0.007) was significantly more frequent in the ACL injury group. Overall, athletes presenting the WS pattern had approximately twice the odds of having a history of ACL injury (OR = 2.028, 95% CI 1.493-2.756). Conclusions: The findings suggest that specific dermatoglyphic patterns, particularly the spiral whorl, may serve as an indicator of a potential biological predisposition to ACL injuries in futsal athletes. This finding suggests dermatoglyphics could be a potential component for future multifactorial risk assessment models in futsal.