Abstract The paper presents several rationales behind the increase in ACL injuries among female athletes, including an anatomical explanation. The author differentiates between male and female knee construction, and discusses the increased demand placed on this joint by increasingly competitive female sports.
From the Paper "There has been a tremendous increase in the number of female athletes in the past generation. Undoubtedly because of the rise in feminism and the consequent rise in consciousness of equality across the board in our culture there has been a simultaneous increase in the number of athletic programs, clinics, sports per se for all categories and at all levels of physical skill. As female athletes have gained a foothold in the world of sports and athletics generally, not surprisingly the female athlete is also experiencing an increase in injuries related to sports events. This is not simply a matter of more injuries per se as the female population increases; it reflects a rise in the injury because of the very nature of the female anatomy."
Abstract This paper presents a discussion about ACL tears and repairs. The information can be valuable in the decision making process and the author takes us on a tour of the knee, the injury site and the repair. After care therapy is also discussed.
Abstract This paper deals with the increase in knee injuries among female athletes. The author presents hard facts to support his position and provides a personal perspective on the subject. In addition the author provides examples of ways in which knee injuries occur and the various names for the different kinds of injuries.
From the Paper "The knee joint is one of the most complicated and critical joints of the human body. The knee has to bear the entire body weight, shift balance and adjust direction of movement all smoothly and in efficient coordination. It is not surprising that injuries occur to this particular joint. The primary elements of the knee include the large bone structures: the femur, patella, tibia, and the fibula. What moves the bones of course are the muscles: flexors (biceps femoris, semimembraneous, semitendinous, sartorius, gracilis and extensors quadriceps and patellar. Now, within those larger structures are smaller but nonetheless critical components: the various ligaments which stabilize the bones and muscles such as the medial and lateral Collateral Ligaments and the Anterior and Posterior Cruciate Ligaments usually termed ACL and PCL."
A look at the effect of a neuromuscular training program on the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament tears and other injuries in young female soccer players.
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of a neuromuscular training program that is designed to decrease the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in adolescent female soccer players, as well as lower body injuries in general. It looks at how a neuromuscular training program consists of exercises that aim to improve the balance between the muscles of the body such as the hamstring and quadriceps muscle as well as improve techniques in cutting and landing which place an athlete at high risk for injury in a game situation.
Outline
Abstract
Method
Hypothesized Results
From the Paper "Female Participation in recreational and competitive sports has increased over the last twenty years and along with this, there has also been an increase in the number of women sustaining knee injuries including tears to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Female athletes who participate in sports such as soccer and basketball which involve quick directional changes while running as in pivoting and jumping show a four to six times higher incidence of knee injury over their male counterparts involved in the same sports (Hewett, 2000). Julie Agel and her colleagues (2005) found that despite the mechanism of injury, the rate of ACL injury was higher for female athletes at the collegiate level than male collegiate athletes. In this study, it was also found that more female athletes sustain ACL injuries that occurred through non-contact mechanisms. "
Abstract The paper reveals that knee injuries are one of the most common human injuries, especially with regard to sports injuries. The paper discusses each type of knee injury, including a brief description of the injury and a basic description of the surgical procedure used to correct it. The paper also describes the rehabilitation expected, the time frame for recovery and the types of strengthening programs suggested. This includes ultrasounds, stem machines and ice and heat. The paper relates what kind of weight training can be done prior to surgery to improve the injury, or simply maintain the strength of the knee in preparation for surgery.
Outline:
Introduction
Types of Knee Injuries
Surgery
Recovery
From the Paper "Most ACL injuries occur during jumping which are commonly non-contact deceleration-valgus-external rotation injuries like those that occur while involved in gymnastics or while playing basketball. Cutting of the ACL ligaments also occurs when sports equipment like the cleats of other players or a ski breaks the bands that hold the ACL system together. More than 70% of all knee injuries include an ACL injury. Forced hyperextension and deceleration-internal rotation are less common but when they occur they can also involve the PCL, often occuring in women and young girls."
