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Congress: ECR25
Poster Number: C-17233
Type: Poster: EPOS Radiologist (educational)
DOI: 10.26044/ecr2025/C-17233
Authorblock: M. Mobini, E. Carr; Stevenage/UK
Disclosures:
Moein Mobini: Nothing to disclose
Elizabeth Carr: Nothing to disclose
Keywords: Musculoskeletal system, MR, Structured reporting, Trauma
Learning objectives To provide a comprehensive overview about the anatomical factors contributing to the increased ACL injury risk in female football players. Additionally, it highlights the effectiveness of evidence-based injury prevention programs, such as the FIFA 11+ warm-up, in reducing knee injury rates.   
Read more Background ACL injuries are a significant concern in professional female football players, occurring up to eight times more frequently than in males. These injuries can be career-ending and are associated with long-term complications, including early-onset knee osteoarthritis, reduced return-to-play rates, and a heightened risk of reinjury [1,2]. Among athletes, ACL injury incidence ranges from 0.21% to 3.67%, compared to just 0.03% in the general population, with female athletes facing notably worse outcomes, such as prolonged recovery times and increased early-onset knee...
Read more Findings and procedure details One of the most significant anatomical contributors to ACL injury in female athletes is the narrower intercondylar notch, which is directly associated with a smaller ACL, potentially reducing its tensile strength and increasing its susceptibility to injury [1]. Studies have also shown that a narrower notch elevating the risk of damage by causing ACL impingement on the medial border of the lateral femoral condyle when combined with a valgus load [1,5]. One study suggested that those with a narrower notch...
Read more Conclusion ACL injuries pose a major challenge in professional female football, with a significantly higher incidence than in male athletes. This increased susceptibility is primarily attributed to anatomical and biomechanical factors, including a narrower intercondylar notch, steeper posterior tibial slope, and increased lateral femoral condyle ratio. These structural differences lead to altered knee mechanics, making female athletes more vulnerable to ACL injuries during high-impact movements. Beyond the immediate impact on performance, these injuries contribute to long-term complications such as reinjury, lower...
Read more References 1- Mancino F, Kayani B, Gabr A, Fontalis A, Plastow R, Haddad FS. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries in female athletes: risk factors and strategies for prevention. Bone Jt Open. 2024 Feb 5;5(2):94-100. doi: 10.1302/2633-1462.52.BJO-2023-0166. PMID: 38310925; PMCID: PMC10838619.2- Hewett TE, Myer GD, Ford KR. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries in female athletes: part 1, mechanisms and risk factors. Am J Sports Med. 2006;34(2):299–311.3- Arendt E, Dick R. Knee injury patterns among men and women in collegiate basketball and soccer. NCAA data...
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