The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common injuries seen among high school and collegiate soccer players.
This injury is prominent in soccer because of the high-velocity pivots and rotation forces of the lower extremities during practice and competition. ACL injuries can occur when contact is made with another player, such as a tackle from the side, causing a medial force to the knee or simply knocking knees with another player. Non-contact soccer injuries to the ACL are commonly caused by the repetitive and quick movements previously mentioned or landing awkwardly with the knee in a vulnerable position.
It has been widely presumed that the anatomy of female athletes leads to an increased predisposition for ACL injuries, but, to date, there is a lack of evidence to support such a theory. Likewise, there has not been any conclusive evidence to support the change in hormonal levels as a precursor to ACL tears. This too was a previously theorized notion that has been unproven thus far.
