4 Risk Factors For ACL Tears And How To Prevent Knee Injury

What Is An ACL tear?

One commonly occurring knee injury is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. The ACL is one of the bands of tissue that holds the bones together within the knee. ACL tears occur when a person makes a sudden movement or a quick, sharp stop. ACL tears can range from a mild tear to severe, where the ligament separates from the rest of the bone.

ACL tears are a frequently occurring injury

An estimated 80,000 ACL tears occur annually in the United States. Due to the high occurrence of these injuries, understanding the risk factors and the prevention strategies available to patients is critical.

What are the risk factors?

ACL injuries are immediately disabling and take a significant amount of time to rehabilitate. There is great importance in understanding who might be at risk for ACL tears to avoid this type of injury. Several factors increase an individual’s risk of an ACL tear.

1. Women are prone to ACL tears

Women have been found to have a higher risk of ACL injuries compared to men. One study indicated that female athletes are 3.5 times more likely to sustain an ACL injury compared to males. These differences include gender differences related to hormones, such as estrogen, and biomechanical factors related to landing patterns and muscle strength.

2. Sports-related injuries

ACL tears are common in sports with frequent pivoting, jumping, and sudden stopping. Examples of these sports include soccer, basketball, volleyball, football, downhill skiing, and tennis. Involvement in these sports puts athletes at a higher risk for ACL tears and knee injuries.

3. Age is a risk factor

Age is a factor for most orthopedic injuries. The ACL becomes weaker with age. This weakness increases the likelihood of an ACL injury in older individuals.

4. Prior ACL injuries can be serious

Individuals who have had an ACL tear are 15% more likely to have a re-tear of the ACL. The risk of an ACL tear in the opposite leg is also higher in those individuals who have previously had an ACL tear.

ACL tear prevention advice for patients

There are many steps an individual can take to prevent an ACL tear. For example, ensure proper training and exercise before engaging in physical activities. Try types of exercises that will strengthen the muscles in the legs, hip, and core. Also, wearing the appropriate gear and footwear for a sport can help prevent ACL tears and knee injuries. For treatment of an ACL injury, schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist.