ACL Injuries

Knee injuries are common among young athletes. One of the top knee injuries is a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This is the ligament that helps keep the knee stable. The ACL is one of the four main ligaments in the knee joint that connect it to the shin bone, known as the tibia, and thigh bone, known as the femur. It is located in the knee joint, behind the kneecap.

Kids who play contact sports are most likely to injure their ACL. The injury happens when a young athlete stops or changes direction quickly. It also could happen if he or she jumps and lands with straight legs instead of bending the knees, putting pressure on the knee joint.

Girls are more likely than boys to tear an ACL, mainly because they have a natural tendency to jump and land with straight legs.

ACL injury videos

Watch the following videos featuring Scott Van Valin, MD, pediatric orthopedic surgeon, to learn more about ACL injuries:

If you think your young athlete has a knee injury, contact us to make an appointment:

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