Are girls more likely to hurt their knees playing soccer than boys?

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“There are all these articles and books coming out about soccer girls – just girls not boys – seriously hurting their knees. It’s hard to know what’s true and what’s not true. What should I believe?” —Marci, 12, Upper East Side

Excellent question Marci. Many young athletes who play pivoting sports such as soccer, lacrosse, basketball, and football unfortunately suffer serious knee injuries. Typically, injuries such as tears of the meniscus (a knee cushion) or damage to the knee cartilage (the soft gristle-like lining of the knee bones) occur equally in boys and girls. However, one injury, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear occurs more frequently in girls who play soccer compared to boys. This injury affects females five times more commonly than males who play the same sport. The ACL is a ligament that connects the thigh bone (femur) and leg bone (tibia) inside of the knee. An ACL tear occurs when forces outside of the knee exceed the ligament’s natural strength.

Doctors have observed an increased incidence of ACL tears in female athletes, and many studies have been done to try and find out what is causing this problem. Studies have suggested that differences in female knee anatomy, hormones, leg muscle strength, and jumping/landing patterns play a role in causing ACL tears in athletic girls.

The best way for you to decrease your chances of suffering this injury is to work on your lower extremity strength and flexibility. Your stomach, back, hip, thigh and leg muscles are all important. You and your parents could also download the “ACL Prevention Program” video for other helpful training tips.

Want to learn how to prevent knee injuries? Visit Sports PT of New York at www.sptny.com.

Bio:
Doctor Riley Williams, is an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine at the Hospital for Special Surgery and Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City. His clinical interests include injuries of the knee, shoulder and elbow. He is the Head Team Physician for the New Jersey Nets Basketball Team and the New York Red Bulls Soccer Club.