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ACL
means anterior cruciate ligament. The ACL is a ligament, or connection
between the bones, in this case between the thigh bone and the leg bone.
The ACL keeps the leg bone from abnormally twisting and sliding forward
in relation to the thigh bone. It is an important ligament to insure
that the knee works properly. An ACL tear to the knee is a serious
injury. A knee with an ACL tear will never be normal again, although
stability can be restored surgically.
For several years
now, encouraged by the passage of Title IX, a federal law that mandates
equality in funding for male and female sports, women have participated
in vigorous athletics in unprecedented numbers. Once on the sidelines
limited to shaking pom-poms, women are out there, doing it on their own.
With this
increased participation comes an increase in injuries, of course. But
researchers noticed a curious trend in the mid-90's. Although women and
young girls were participating in increased numbers, there was a
disproportionate increase in the number of ACL tears for female
athletes. In other words for the same number of male and female athletes
competing, there is a significant increase in the serious ACL tears in
the female group.
Researchers began
to study this curious phenomenon and are still studying it to find out
why this is happening and what can be done to decrease the incidence of
ACL tears in female athletes. Early findings point to a combination of
factors leading to the increased incidence:
- Anatomic
differences in the shape of the thigh bone at the knee
- Differences
in the strength of the ligament (independent of estrogen)
- Possible
influences of estrogen on the ligament
- Biomechanical
factors (width of the pelvis, how women tend to land with the knees
together rather than spread apart).
Doctors and
medical scientists are studying if training in strengthening of key
muscles and in techniques for controlling knee motion, particularly in
landing from a jump, will decrease the number of ACL injuries in women.
So far the results are inconclusive, partially because different
protocols are being used, making it hard to compare results. The studies
are also difficult to do, requiring large numbers of women athletes to
take part for the study to show significant differences.
At this time no
one treatment has emerged as the conclusive answer. Women athletes
should take care to perform core muscle strengthening and to undergo
training in how to land correctly from a jump to decrease the chance of
an ACL tear.
And while you're
at it, don't forget to drink milk (or take calcium) for strong bones
when you're older. The future sneaks up on you fast! |
