How does the ACL injury happen? Can it be prevented? Lets dive in!
The dreaded ACL injury typically occurs during sports participation and is described as happening when the ACL is strained by either physical contact or non-contact when a player cuts/pivots. Contact injuries occur when another individual hits the leg after a player changes directions quickly and pushes the knee into rotation or hyperextension. Non-contact injuries do not involve any other individuals except the injured athlete. During this scenario, the athlete’s knee is exposed to quick deceleration, hyperextension or rotation, and out of control movement causing the ligament to fail.
Click on the link to see the video of each type of ACL injury mechanism.
Noncontact injury -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JQKko6C42shttp://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=LuClWeD9ouI&NR=1
Non-Contact injuries are described as hyperextension or rotational.
Hyperextension Tear: (forceful over-straightening) is most often caused by accidents associated with:
- Skiing
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Football
- Football
- Tennis
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Wrestling
- Gymnastics
- Martial arts
- Running
Male/Female Comparison
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has performed research finding female athletes injure the ACL more frequently than their male counterparts. Females in soccer and basketball have the highest incidence of ACL knee injuries. Research suggests ACL injuries in females are greater due to strength imbalances, joint laxity, anatomical hip/knee angles, and training/development patterns.
Next week Part 4: “How to reduce ACL injuries”
Referenced from: http://ehealthmd.com/content/what-causes-acl-tear