title: An unusual mechanism for injury of the anterior cruciate ligament in figure skating.
abstract: A 20-year-old competitive figure skater presented with an acute disabling knee injury that occurred in the overhead, non-weight-bearing knee during the performance of a Biellmann spin. Examination and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis of a complete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. To our knowledge, no previous cases of acute injury of the ACL sustained during the execution of a Biellmann spin have been reported. The ACL injury we report is unique because it occurred without the blade contacting the ice. The mechanism of injury has some features that are similar to those of other noncontact ACL injuries, with the addition of centrifugal force as a potential contributor to the injury.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21224-2780, USA.
authors.forename: Eugene K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Alexandra P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Lahurd
authors.forename: John H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Wilckens
mesh_terms: D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010808:Physical Examination; D012861:Skating / Q000293:injuries*; D055815:Young Adult