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The Anterior Cruciate Ligament ( Acl )

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The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a ligament that can be found in the knee. The ACL attaches two of three bones that link to form the knee joint. These bones are the tibia, which is the larger bone in the calf area, and the femur, which is the bone found in the thigh. The third, non-connected bone is the patella, which is the kneecap that offers protection to the overall area. The knee joint houses four primary ligaments, which are separated into the following two groups. The collateral ligaments, which consist of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and the medial collateral ligament (MCL), can be found toward the left and right of the patella. Collateral ligaments regulate sideways movements along with bracing for atypical …show more content…

Grade one strains/tears being the mildest and grade three strains/tears being the most extreme. The ligament has experienced trivial damage in a grade one sprain by that of a minor strain, but is still able to offer substantial stability to the knee joint. A grade two sprain, also known as a partial tear of the ligament, overstretches the ligament to the point where it loses its tautness. Grade three sprains, most commonly referred to as a “complete tear” of the ligament, splits the ligament into two pieces, leaving the knee joint hardly stable. Partial tears of the ACL are infrequent; most ACL injuries are complete or near complete tears.

Several studies have shown that female athletes have a considerably larger probability of experiencing an ACL injury than male athletes. Females who partake in high interval, vigorous, and physically demanding sports including basketball, soccer, and gymnastics have a higher risk of ACL injury. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, “female athletes who participate in jumping and pivoting sports are two to ten times more likely to sustain a knee ligament injury, than male athletes participating in the same sports.” Scholars and surgeons have suggested that females are at a higher risk of knee injury due to strength, conditioning, and neuromuscular control. Other suggested causes for increase injury in females include a narrower

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