ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURIES IN THE FEMALE ATHLETE

The normal anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is critical to knee joint stability, especially for athletes in cutting sports. Rupture of the A CL can be a devastating, if not career-ending, injury for a young athl ete because of the resultant instability and increased risk of menisca l and chondral damage. Considerably more girls and women than ever bef ore now participate in athletics. Some epidemiologic data show that fe male athletes may sustain a higher incidence of ACL injuries than male athletes. Risk factors that may be responsible for these increased in jury rates are reviewed. History and physical examination are most imp ortant in establishing the diagnosis of ACL injury, although ancillary diagnostic imaging is helpful if the extent of injury is in question. Treatment options, including various surgical reconstructions and reh abilitation, are discussed, with attention to the specific concerns of the female athlete. With appropriate diagnosis and treatment, the ACL -injured athlete may now anticipate full return to function and athlet ic competition.