The knee is made up of three bones: the lower end of the thigh bone (femur) the end of the shin bone (tibia) and the knee cap (patella).
What is a torn acl skin#
The knee performs multiple tasks perfectly because just below the skin lies a latticework of ligaments and tendons that hold together multiple muscles and bones. Women are now known to have different biomechanical movements of the knee joint when pivoting, jumping, and landing-activities that often lead to an ACL injury. Some people believe that women land differently when jumping, possibly because of certain physical activities when they were young. Biomechanical differences: Stability of the knee is dependent on static stabilizers (i.e., the ACL and other major knee ligaments) and dynamic stabilizers (i.e., muscles and tendons) that surround the knee joint.Hormonal differences: The ACL has hormonal receptors for estrogen and progesterone, and it is believed that fluctuating hormone concentrations may play a role in ACL injuries, especially during different phases of the menstrual cycle.Anatomic differences: These involve pelvis width, Q-angle, size of the ACL, and size of the intercondylar notch (where the ACL crosses the knee joint).7 Unfortunately, it is unclear as to why women are more susceptible to ACL injury. Rates of ACL tears are about eight times more frequent in women than in men. 5 As more and more women participate in sports, the incidence of ACL injuries is increasing. 5-7įemale athletes are known to have a higher risk of injuring their ACL while participating in competitive sports. All of these movements increase one’s risk of acute or chronic knee injuries. The knee is a weight-bearing joint that straightens, bends, twists, and rotates.
5 It coils when pivoting, allowing the foot to point in one direction and the trunk in another. With every running stride or landing from a jump, the athlete’s knee absorbs and diffuses forces equivalent to eight to 10 times the body’s weight. No other joint in the human body is as large or as important for smooth, powerful, and elegant movement than the knee. 3,4 Such injury is the most common reason reported for visiting an orthopedic surgeon. In 2003, there were approximately 20 million visits to physicians’ offices because of knee injuries. With greater emphasis on athletes making spectacular moves and dazzling plays, more stress is being placed on muscles and joints, possibly exceeding human limitations. In addition to the ACL, other ligaments and the meniscus cartilage may also be damaged. The knee “gives out” from under the athlete when the ACL is torn. 2 Most often, ACL tears occur when an athlete pivots or lands from a jump. About 80% of sports-related ACL tears are noncontact injuries. 3 ACL tears may also occur during rough play, motor vehicle collisions, falls, and work-related injuries. 2Īn ACL tear is one of the most common sports-related injuries, and its rehabilitative course may last 6 to 9 months. Other high-profile athletes who have sustained ACL tears include football quarterback Tom Brady, golfer Tiger Woods, and soccer player Frankie Hejduk. 1 However, following knee reconstruction surgery and rehabilitation, he went on to play for Purdue University and later the New Orleans Saints, who won Super Bowl XLIV in 2010.
What is a torn acl professional#
In his book, professional football player Drew Brees describes “blowing out” his knee as a high school quarterback in 1995. A torn ACL is very painful and can debilitate a person for several months and perhaps for life, although recovery for some is possible. One of the most feared sports and work injuries is a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which has ended or derailed the careers of numerous high-profile athletes.