ACL Injuries: How Shape Of Knees Matter
ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries are a big problem, especially for athletes who jump, pivot, and change direction quickly. Female athletes are more likely to suffer from ACL injuries. Many things can increase the risk, but one important factor is the shape of the tibial plateau, the top part of the shinbone where the knee joint sits. The way the knee is shaped, and the forces applied to it, can affect how much stress is put on the ACL. Understanding these risk factors can help prevent injuries, especially for female athletes.
How knee shape affects ACL injuries
The inside of the knee is extremely smooth, almost like an ice-skating rink. The front of the knee slopes upward, while the back slopes downward. Imagine trying to land from a jump or change direction on a surface that is both slippery and angled. This puts extra stress directly on the ACL.
Comparing injured and uninjured knees
A group of researchers studied 104 people, 55 of whom had never had an ACL injury (33 women and 22 men) and 49 who had torn their ACL (27 women and 22 men). They measured different parts of the tibial plateau, including the slopes and depth of the bone.
Here’s what they found:
Women with ACL injuries had a steeper lateral tibial slope (a higher angle) and a shallower medial tibial depth compared to women without injuries.
Men with ACL injuries had a steeper lateral and medial tibial slope and a shallower medial tibial depth than men without injuries.
Overall, medial tibial depth was the biggest risk factor, followed by lateral tibial slope.
What this means for preventing injuries
This study shows that the shape of the tibial plateau plays a big role in ACL injuries. Injury prevention programs should consider individual differences in knee anatomy. While strengthening muscles and improving movement patterns are still important, personalized approaches based on knee structure may help reduce injuries. The findings also suggest that men and women have different risk factors, meaning prevention strategies should be tailored for each group.
Conclusion
By understanding how knee shape affects ACL injuries, we can improve prevention and treatment. Future research should continue to explore these factors so that athletes can get personalized training and support. By combining knowledge of knee anatomy with traditional training, we can take big steps toward reducing ACL injuries for athletes everywhere.
Dr. James Slauterbeck is an orthopedic surgeon whose special interests include sports medicine, adolescent sports medicine, female sports medicine, and high school and college athletic injuries. He is affiliated with UNC Health Orthopedics at Southeastern Health Park and UNC Health Southeastern. To learn more, call 910-738-1065 or visit https://www.unchealth.org/care-services/doctors/s/james-r-slauterbeck-md.a