Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Female Athletes Video – Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Since the passage of Title IX in 1972 there has been a dramatic increase in female athletic participation. There has also been a corresponding increase in the number of female athletes experiencing injuries. Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are of particular concern in women. Elizabeth G. Matzkin, MD, Surgical Director of the Women’s Sports Medicine Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), explains that ACL injuries are significantly greater in women. ACL reconstruction surgery can repair these injuries however, these women many have a significantly greater risk of arthritis in their knees as they age.
In this video, Dr. Matzkin explains why female athletes are at greater risk for ACL injuries and how they may be prevented with proper training.
