Do female athletes have more ACL injuries?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sustains an injury or tear in female athletes 4-5 times more frequently than in their male counterparts. Females have contributing factors which make the ACL more likely to become injured. These factors include anatomy, hormones, and neuromuscular biomechanics. Dr. James Mazzara specializes in treating athletes with ACL injuries. He can help females and males how live near Manchester, South Windsor, Enfield, Glastonbury and the surrounding Hartford communities get back to the sports they love.
Why do female athletes have more ACL tears than male athletes?
There are several reasons female athletes are more prone to ACL injury and tears than men. One of the reasons is hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and relaxin which can have an effect on the strength and flexibility of the ligaments in the body. This becomes important for female athletes because loose or very flexible ligaments are more likely to stretch under pressure. This excessive elasticity can cause the knee to be unstable and may allow the tibia to slide out in front of the femur, damaging the ACL.
Further, the femoral notch, where the ACL is located, is genetically narrower in females than in males. This narrow space makes the ACL more prone to injury because the knee ligament can be pinched between the femur and the tibia.
In which sports are females more likely to tear their ACL?
Sports that requires a quick pivoting motion, rotation of the lower extremities and quick changes in direction make athletes susceptible to injury. These movements can cause stress on the ACL. Female soccer athletes differ however, because of the alignment of their hips and knees. Women naturally have a more valgus knee alignment than men (where the knee bows slightly inward) which further increases the likelihood of an ACL injury.
Sports that can contribute to a higher risk of ACL injury in female athletes are:
- Rugby
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Gymnastics
- CrossFit
- Surfing
- Water skiing
- Snow skiing
How can I prevent an ACL injury or tear?
Strengthening and conditioning in the correct way is important in keeping a healthy ACL. Dr. Mazzara suggests a focus on strengthening the hip and thigh muscles to provide stability to the knee and prevent injury. Body mechanics are also an important aspect of a healthy knee, especially when learning to land, pivot or change directions. A proper warm up and cool down period can also help keep the knee and its surrounding muscles in good health.
For more information on an ACL injury in female athletes, or on an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and the treatment options available, please contact the office of James Mazzara, MD, orthopedic shoulder, elbow and knee specialist, serving Manchester, South Windsor, Enfield, Glastonbury and the surrounding Hartford communities.