Anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common in athletes participating in sports requiring jumping and pivoting maneuvers. Recent research has attempted to identify potential risk factors and to develop interventions to address these risk factors in order to help prevent ACL injuries. Neuromuscular, hormonal, anatomic, and environmental factors have been studied. Interventions addressing neuromuscular factors appear particularly promising. This article reviews and summarizes current data regarding ACL injury risk factors and prevention efforts.