Avoiding the failed ACL: How to prevent ACL tears before they occur

Abstract

Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are common throughout the athletic population starting as young as 6 years old. These injuries occur from either traumatic, contact injuries or non-contact mechanisms (jumping or pivoting) during sport participation. Females are plagued by a 4-6 times higher incidence in non-contact injuries. There has been a larger amount of research completed over the years regarding surgical techniques and rehabilitation after surgery, but prevention has been studied less. This chapter will review common causes for ACL injuries, discuss gender differences, introduce assessment for injury, and highlight the importance of different training components (strengthening, flexibility, plyometrics, proprioception/neuromuscular, and sport-specific training) to assist in ACL injury prevention.