Which of the following anatomical factors increase the risk of ACL injuries?

Which of the following anatomical factors increase the risk of ACL injuries?

• A. Wide intercondylar notch and strong ligaments.
• B. Hypermobility and a narrow intercondylar notch.
• C. Increased ligament width and decreased tibial rotation.
• D. Flat feet and decreased pelvic width in female athletes.

Answer: (B)

B demonstrates the anatomical factors that indeed increase the risk of ACL injuries. Hypermobility refers to an increased range of motion in the joints, which can lead to instability and a higher likelihood of injury during activities that require sudden changes in direction, jumping, or pivoting. A narrow intercondylar notch can contribute to ACL injuries because it may lead to less space for the ligament to move within the knee joint, causing increased friction or impingement during these dynamic movements. Research indicates that individuals with these characteristics are more susceptible to ACL tears, particularly in athletic settings. The other options comprise anatomical factors that do not correlate with an increased risk of ACL injuries. A wide intercondylar notch, for example, typically provides more room for the ACL and can be associated with a lower risk of injury. Strong ligaments and increased ligament width generally suggest better stability and protection against injury. Flat feet and decreased pelvic width, while relevant in various physical contexts, do not specifically indicate a higher risk for ACL injuries compared to hypermobility and a narrow intercondylar notch.

B demonstrates the anatomical factors that indeed increase the risk of ACL injuries. Hypermobility refers to an increased range of motion in the joints, which can lead to instability and a higher likelihood of injury during activities that require sudden changes in direction, jumping, or pivoting. A narrow intercondylar notch can contribute to ACL injuries because it may lead to less space for the ligament to move within the knee joint, causing increased friction or impingement during these dynamic movements. Research indicates that individuals with these characteristics are more susceptible to ACL tears, particularly in athletic settings.

The other options comprise anatomical factors that do not correlate with an increased risk of ACL injuries. A wide intercondylar notch, for example, typically provides more room for the ACL and can be associated with a lower risk of injury. Strong ligaments and increased ligament width generally suggest better stability and protection against injury. Flat feet and decreased pelvic width, while relevant in various physical contexts, do not specifically indicate a higher risk for ACL injuries compared to hypermobility and a narrow intercondylar notch.