Anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL injury)

This type of injury is common among athletes who engage in rapid turns and jumps, such as soccer, basketball, skiing, and volleyball players. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) may be damaged due to abnormal twisting or direct impact, leading to pain and instability. These athletes, especially those with a history of previous ligament injuries, are considered high-risk individuals.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a major ligament in the knee joint responsible for stabilizing the knee, preventing the shinbone (lower leg bone) from sliding forward beneath the thighbone (upper leg bone). ACL injury is a common and serious knee injury in sports, and the detailed reasons include:

1. Non-contact injuries:

   • Sudden stops:
     Abrupt stops after rapid deceleration during sports, especially during running or quick movements.

   • Rapid direction changes:
     Quick changes in direction during sports, especially when the knee is in a locked position.

   • Abnormal landings:
     Landing from a jump with the knee overextended or twisted inward may lead to ACL injury.

   • Sudden deceleration with simultaneous pivoting:
     Particularly in sports like basketball, soccer, or skiing, this movement can result in a torn ACL.

2. Contact injuries:

   • Direct impact:
     Direct impact to the outer side of the knee, common in contact sports like soccer, football, or hockey.

   • Collisions with another person's knee:
     During a game, collisions between the body or legs of other athletes and the injured person's knee can cause the knee to move in an abnormal direction.

3. Biomechanical and anatomical factors:

   • Female athletes:
     Studies show that due to anatomical and biomechanical differences, female athletes are more prone to ACL injuries compared to male athletes, especially in certain sports.

   • Leg alignment and muscle strength:
     Bow-legged or knock-kneed alignment, as well as inadequate thigh and calf muscle strength, can increase the risk of injury.

4. Sports surfaces and footwear:

   • Improper sports surfaces:
     Such as surfaces that are too hard or too slippery.

   • Footwear:
     Inappropriate sports shoes can also increase the risk of injury.

5. Muscle fatigue:

   • Fatigue can lead to decreased movement control in athletes, increasing the likelihood of injury.

Strategies to prevent ACL injuries include strengthening leg muscles, especially the quadriceps and hamstring muscles; improving sports techniques, particularly jumping and landing techniques; and increasing knee stability. For individuals who have already suffered an ACL injury, treatment options may include physical therapy and, in some cases, surgical reconstruction. Post-surgery, a rehabilitation period of 6-8 months with physical therapy is necessary to restore the knee to its original activity level and regain muscle elasticity and strength to prevent re-injury during the vulnerable phase of the ACL.