Women's Football Players Four Times More Likely to Suffer ACL Injuries Than Men - Experts Baffled by Cause
A growing trend has seen female football players being diagnosed with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries at a rate four times higher than their male counterparts. The German Football Association (DFB) reports seven such cases in the top two levels of women's football, compared to just three in the men's league.
While studies are underway to uncover the reasons behind this disparity, medical professionals say that despite advances in treatment and recovery techniques, the causes remain unclear. Consultant trauma and orthopaedic knee surgeon Saket Tibrewal notes that the biomechanics of female athletes differ from those of their male peers, citing differences in muscle strength, landing mechanics, and bone anatomy.
One key factor being investigated is the size of the "notch" in the knee joint where the ACL attaches. Women's bones are generally smaller than men's, and some researchers believe this may contribute to a higher risk of injury. Tibrewal suggests that this could be due to increased force being applied through the notch, but more research is needed to confirm this theory.
The increasingly demanding schedule of female football players is also being questioned as a potential contributing factor. Chelsea midfielder Keira Walsh has spoken out about the risks of playing too many games in a congested fixture schedule, emphasizing the need for adequate recovery time to prevent fatigue and injury.
As researchers continue their investigation into ACL injuries in women's football, Tibrewal predicts that significant progress will be made over the next five years. With advances in surgical techniques and rehabilitation methods, he says that patients are already experiencing excellent outcomes from treatment, and hopes that future breakthroughs will further improve recovery rates.
A growing trend has seen female football players being diagnosed with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries at a rate four times higher than their male counterparts. The German Football Association (DFB) reports seven such cases in the top two levels of women's football, compared to just three in the men's league.
While studies are underway to uncover the reasons behind this disparity, medical professionals say that despite advances in treatment and recovery techniques, the causes remain unclear. Consultant trauma and orthopaedic knee surgeon Saket Tibrewal notes that the biomechanics of female athletes differ from those of their male peers, citing differences in muscle strength, landing mechanics, and bone anatomy.
One key factor being investigated is the size of the "notch" in the knee joint where the ACL attaches. Women's bones are generally smaller than men's, and some researchers believe this may contribute to a higher risk of injury. Tibrewal suggests that this could be due to increased force being applied through the notch, but more research is needed to confirm this theory.
The increasingly demanding schedule of female football players is also being questioned as a potential contributing factor. Chelsea midfielder Keira Walsh has spoken out about the risks of playing too many games in a congested fixture schedule, emphasizing the need for adequate recovery time to prevent fatigue and injury.
As researchers continue their investigation into ACL injuries in women's football, Tibrewal predicts that significant progress will be made over the next five years. With advances in surgical techniques and rehabilitation methods, he says that patients are already experiencing excellent outcomes from treatment, and hopes that future breakthroughs will further improve recovery rates.
ACL injuries in women's football are super worrying! 
It's wild to think that female players are four times more likely to suffer these types of injuries than men 
. I'm all about equality and fairness on the pitch 
️
, but this is just crazy! 
Is it really because of our bone anatomy? 
or is there more to it? 
Maybe we need to talk about the demands of playing all those games in a row 
?
and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for some answers! 
With better treatment options and rehabilitation methods, I know they'll get to the bottom of it 
. Fingers crossed for all our female football players out there! 
I gotta wonder, is it really just about the physical differences between men & women or is there something more to it? 
It can't be that simple right? 
And yet, they're 4 times more likely to get hurt than the guys playing the same sport? That's wild! 
What's going on with their knees? Is it something in the equipment? The way they train? Or is it just a genetic thing? 
I feel like we're missing some crucial info here. Are the female players really getting more wear and tear than the males, or is there another factor at play? And what about all those amazing women who are doing this sport for a living... shouldn't they be able to handle it without breaking their ankles? 
It's got me curious! 
The research is still out, so let's keep an open mind, but I'm definitely gonna be keeping an eye on this one 
. And can we talk about how intense that schedule must be? 
Keira Walsh is totally right to speak out about the importance of recovery time – it's not just about getting back on the pitch ASAP! 
! Just like how our bodies can be more prone to injuries due to various factors (like muscle strength or bone anatomy), we also need to take care of ourselves mentally and emotionally 
. The pressure to perform, the constant travel, and the intense training schedule in sports can take a toll on us 
. Let's all learn from these amazing female football players who are pushing boundaries, but also prioritizing their health and well-being 
!
they're putting their bodies on the line every time they step onto the pitch, and it's just not fair. I mean, we all know how tough it is to play in those tight matches, but surely there's gotta be a way to reduce that risk without sacrificing too much of their game time 
Experts are like stumped 2, even with all the tech advancements in rehab n surgery 
. I mean, it makes sense that biomes of females differ from males, but still gotta figure out whys 
ACL injuries r no joke 
Is it the training schedule? The equipment? Or is it just something about their bones or joints that makes them more prone to injury? 
. You got these female players putting their bodies through hell on the pitch, with all these games piling up in quick succession 
.
. We need to make sure that everyone involved is on the same page, from the coaches to the trainers to the administrators. Because until we do, these kinds of issues are just going to keep popping up 
.