Body type and rotational laxity of the knee

Forty young adult males were somatotyped according to the Health-Carter Modified Method and were separated into 2 groups. One group was a meso-endomorphic body type (5-6-1) and the other was ectomorphic body type (3-2-4). Measurement of rotational laxity of the knee in 90 degrees flexion showed a statistically significant increase (p less than .001) in external rotation and total rotation in ectomorphs compared to meso-endomorphs. Rotational laxity of the knee is associated with body type. Lateral radiographs were used to measure patellae alta in each group. No statistical difference was found, and patellae alta does not appear to be associated with body type.