Simultaneous bilateral anterior cruciate ligament ruptures in a cheerleader

Abstract

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is frequently injured during both recreational and competitive activity. It is common to see patients who have ruptured both ACLs at different times. Intercondylar notch width, notch morphology, gender, and family history have all been implicated as factors that may predispose an individual to contralateral ACL rupture following unilateral injury. Simultaneous bilateral ACL rupture is a rare occurrence. Only 1 other case has previously been reported. We report the case of a 17-year-old high school cheerleader who sustained simultaneous bilateral ACL ruptures. Some of the commonly implicated risk factors for ACL rupture are examined and a review of the literature is also presented.