Browse Conditions: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Preventing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

ACL tears are often due to noncontact injuries. Precautions can be taken to prevent them.

When jumping and landing, or turning and pivoting, your hips and knees should be bent, not straight
Incorporate adequate warm-up exercises to prepare the knee for your sport
Plyometrics , a form of jumping exercises, can be used to train and strengthen the leg muscles for jumping and landing (should only be done under professional supervision)
Strengthen both the quadriceps and the hamstrings
Keep the quadriceps and hamstrings flexible by stretching regularly

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/

Women's Sport Foundation
http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/

Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org/

References:

ACL Injury: Does It Require Surgery? American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.aaos.org . Accessed June 18, 2008.

Griffin LY, Agel J, Albohm M, et al. Noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injuries: risk factors and prevention strategies. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2000;8:141-150.

Wells C. Women, Sport & Performance . Champaign, Ill: Human Kinetics;1991.

Last reviewed November 2008 by John C. Keel, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Talk about it in the:
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Support Group

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