ACL reconstructions are more prevalent in Australia than most developed countries!
Why?

• Increased activity rates in higher sports such as soccer, AFL and even skiing.
• Girls <15yrs at higher risk due to delayed development of co-ordination
• Males far more prevalent between 15-24yrs due to increased velocity and impact sports
• The playing surfaces of Australia are considerably harder due to:
  1.  Climate much drier
  2. Type of grass (too much traction…)
  3. Playing surface (e.g. netball, tennis)
  4. Picking up sports at later ages delays co-ordination, as opposed to playing a sport your whole life
  5. Increased number of jumping sports with challenging landing patterns (AFL, soccer, rugby)

How do ACLs occur?

• Most ACL tears stem from sudden twisting of the knee e.g. landing from a jump involving deceleration at the foot and knee
• Often a loud ‘pop’ is heard, but not always. This is accompanied with swelling usually within hours.
• An absent ACL creates instability in the knee on twisting movements and sudden stopping.

So how do we prevent ACLs?

• Specific PLYOMETRIC and PROPRIOCEPTIVE exercises have shown to significantly decrease the incidence of ACL ruptures.
• e.g. jumping with cones, sprints with change of direction, challenging your capacity to land with control.
• There are specific programmes for each sport available such as the PEP program.

How to fix an ACL

• An active adolescent or adult will usually require reconstructive surgery.
• Where a person wants to return to a low level of activity, or a low knee impact sport then it is possible to continue without an ACL
• If you suspect an ACL or any knee injury, you should consult PHYSIO4ALL as soon as possible. Call us now on 9922 2212.