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ACL Ruptures in the Female Athlete: Can We Predict Who Is at Increased Risk and Can We Reduce Noncontact Injury Rates?

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The ACL-Deficient Knee

Abstract

Female athletes have a greater risk of sustaining a noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury compared with male athletes participating in the same sport. This chapter summarizes the current knowledge of the factors hypothesized to be responsible for this problem. Tests that are feasible and practical to conduct are described that identify athletes who have neuromuscular deficits that may heighten their risk of ACL injury. Successful neuromuscular retraining programs are summarized which teach athletes to control the upper body, trunk, and lower body position; lower the center of gravity by increasing hip and knee flexion during activities; and develop muscular strength and techniques to land with decreased ground reaction forces.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cincinnati Sportsmedicine and Orthopaedic Center, 10663 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45242, USA

    Frank R. Noyes M.D. & Sue D. Barber-Westin BS

Authors
  1. Frank R. Noyes M.D.
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  2. Sue D. Barber-Westin BS
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Correspondence to Sue D. Barber-Westin BS .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Depto. Cirugia Ortopédica, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, c/San Clemente 12, Valencia, 46015, Spain

    Vicente Sanchis-Alfonso

  2. , Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital de Sant Pau, St Antoni m Claret 167, Barcelona, 08025, Spain

    Joan Carles Monllau

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Noyes, F.R., Barber-Westin, S.D. (2013). ACL Ruptures in the Female Athlete: Can We Predict Who Is at Increased Risk and Can We Reduce Noncontact Injury Rates?. In: Sanchis-Alfonso, V., Monllau, J. (eds) The ACL-Deficient Knee. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4270-6_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4270-6_3

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  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-4270-6

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