title: Gender disparity of anterior cruciate ligament injury. Etiological theories in the female athlete.
abstract: The gender disparity of anterior cruciate ligament injury has recently been demonstrated and is striking. Numerous etiological factors have been implicated but definitive causation has not yet been determined. An overview of the various hypotheses has been presented and it appears that the etiology is multifactorial. The intrinsic factors are primarily anatomical and cannot be altered in an effort to reduce injury rate. Presently, neuromuscular factors appear to be the most contributory to female ACL injury. Physicians, trainers, and coaches participating in the care of female athletes should encourage proper conditioning. A particular emphasis should be placed on hamstring and gastrocnemius strengthening, as female athletes tend to be quadriceps dominant. Movement training that encourages landing and pivoting with increased knee flexion should also be emphasized. Structured plyometric and jump training programs have been documented to significantly reduce the rate of female ACL injury and continued research in this area may provide more explanation to the gender disparity of ACL injury rates.
authors.affiliation: Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jamaica Hospital, Jamaica, New York, USA.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Medvecky
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bosco
authors.forename: O H
authors.initials: OH
authors.lastname: Sherman
mesh_terms: D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors