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Anterior cruciate ligament rupture secondary to a ‘heel hook’: a dangerous martial arts technique

Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy volume 18, pages 115–116 (2010)Cite this article

Abstract

The ‘heel hook’ is a type of knee lock used in some forms of martial arts to stress the knee and cause opponent to concede defeat. While the knee is in a flexed and valgus disposition, an internal rotation force is applied to the tibia. Reports are lacking on serious knee trauma as a result of this technique. We report the case of a 32-year-old Mixed Martial Arts exponent who sustained complete anterior cruciate ligament rupture and an medial collateral ligament injury from the use of a ‘heel hook’.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sports Surgery Clinic, Santry Demesne, Dublin 9, Ireland

    Joseph F. Baker & Ray Moran

  2. Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Finglas, Dublin 21, Ireland

    Brian M. Devitt

Authors
  1. Joseph F. Baker
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  2. Brian M. Devitt
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  3. Ray Moran
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Correspondence to Joseph F. Baker.

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Baker, J.F., Devitt, B.M. & Moran, R. Anterior cruciate ligament rupture secondary to a ‘heel hook’: a dangerous martial arts technique. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 18, 115–116 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-009-0877-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-009-0877-y

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