Gender Differences in Knee Kinematics After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Abstract

Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) occurs 200,000 times per year in the United States. About half of these patients opt for ACL reconstruction (ACLr), while the other half choose non-surgical, conservative treatment. ACLr has been found to result in altered kinematics, namely external tibial rotation and knee adduction, during downhill running 1. ACLr also contributes to alterations in muscle activity after surgery. Leg muscles of the affected limb are weakened and contract in different muscle activation patterns when compared to healthy, uninjured patients 2.