The dreaded ACL rupture epidemic: Part 1

As a sports injury physical therapist, I am asked weekly by concerned parents regarding ACL injuries. They watch sports on television and read articles regarding professional athletes such as the NFL Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry and running back Jaamal Charles rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on television and being ruled out by the physicians for the rest of the season. Many fear that their adolescent athlete may suffer the same fate and ask if this type of injury can be prevented. Research shows injury prevention is possible with proper training and appropriate athletic development strategies.

It is true that ACL continues to be ruptured at an alarming rate in high school, collegiate and professional athletes and parents should be concerned.  An estimated 200,000 ACL-related injuries occur annually in the United States, with approximately 95,000 ACL ruptures. Approximately 100,000 ACL reconstruction surgeries are performed each year. The incidence of ACL injury is higher in people who participate in high-risk sports such as basketball, football, skiing, and soccer. Females have a 2.4-9.7 times greater prevalence of ACL injury compared to males of suffering this season ending injury.

To learn more about ACL ruptures and how to prevent this injury I will be writing posts regarding this subject with videos of exercises included!

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