The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most frequently injured single ligament associated with limited range of motion. A study showed an incedence of 60 knee ligament injuries per 100,000 health members per plan year. Males accounted for 72% and females for 28% of the injuries.
Epidemiologic studies have foucused on level of participation, specific sports, sex differences and contributing factors, injury mechinism, prevention studies, and outcome studies. A significantly increased risk of noncontact ACL injury has been noted in female soccer and basketball players when compared to male players in the same sports.
In order to reduce the rate of ACL injuries in female athletes, some factors should be foucused on that can be modified. These factors include playing style, preperation, and skill acquisition from a very young age.
The results of Dr. Ierland study shows that you cannot restore an ACL-injured knee to normal with a reconstruction. Analyzing data collected from multiple centers and large numbers of athletes over time will allow to identify high-risk individuals early and to institute appropriate intervention programs.