Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries in Women
Top Washington D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia Orthopedic Surgeons Specializing in Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries in Women
The anterior cruciate ligament, commonly called the ACL, is a thick, elastic band of tissue that runs from the bottom of the femur to the top of the tibia. It helps stabilize the knee joint. The ACL can become stretched or torn when the knee is twisted or hyperextended. For reasons that are not fully understood, ACL injuries are much more common in women than in men.
What are ACL injuries?
This detailed video describes ACL injuries in women, including their anatomy, joints and muscles, movement, and prevention. While doctors are still studying the factors that play a role in women's ACL injuries, studies have shown that female athletes can lower their risk of these injuries by strengthening the muscles of the legs and by learning proper techniques for running and jumping.