Prevention in ACL injuries

Abstract

The anterior cruciate ligament of the knee (ACL) is one of four primary ligaments holding the knee. As more women practice sports such as soccer and basketball, it has become increasingly apparent that females are at a higher risk for non-contact ACL injuries than males. The risk factors for ACL injury have been considered as internal (hormonal and anatomical) or external (like footwear and playing surfaces). Approximately 80% of ACL injuries are non-contact, occurring while landing from a jump, cutting, or decelerating. Even though the exact reason for the higher rate of ACL injury in women is not yet clear, some factors such as differences in anatomy, hormones, strength, or conditioning are pointed. Several prevention programs have been designed that aim at reducing the risk of knee ligament injury. They try to improve neuromuscular and proprioceptive abilities, altering the dynamic loading of the tibio-femoral joint, with proven results.