Whilst there is no definitive way to prevent an ACL injury, there are certainly factors that you address to decrease your chances of suffering this injury.
The ACL – which stands for; anterior cruciate ligament, is one of the 4 primary ligaments that stabilise the knee joint.
The main role of the ACL is to prevent excessive sliding forward of the femur on the tibia, and rotation movements of the knee, whilst also providing proprioceptive feedback to the brain on the knee joint position.
A recent high profile example is Callum Mills – Captain of the Sydney Swans, who ruptured his ACL in a final in 2026.
Robert Murphy – the then Captain of the Western Bulldogs, also ruptured his ACL in 2016, and famously was unable to play in that clubs historic Premiership win. You may remember his coach giving him his medal.
ACL injures are one of the most common knee ligament injury, and result in a significant loss of function, and require a great deal of rehabilitation to be able to return to sport..
The factors contributing to ACL injury have been researched.
There are 2 categories of risk factors associated with this injury.
Those that are considered modifiable, and those that are considered non-modifiable.
Non-modifiable risk factors include:
- The playing surface
- Gender – Females are more susceptible to ACL injuries than males
- Previous ACL injury
- Injury to other knee ligaments
- Level of competition
However, there is some evidence to show some factors can be influenced, and as such are Modifiable;
- Quadriceps/hamstring muscle balance – Studies show that when athletes have weaker hamstrings in comparison to their quadriceps, they have a higher risk of ACL injury.
- Jumping/landing control –knee and foot position when landing from a jump, and a well known risk factor, and studies have shown that in particular increase the risk of ACL injury r.
- Knee control: is a significant risk factor for ACL injury, particularly with movement of the knee inwards, with or without rotation inwards.
- Hip muscle strength and control; reduced hip muscle strength and control alters your ability to control your knee movement, and so increases the risk of ACL injury.
- Knee proprioception describes the body and brain’s awareness of knee balance and movement. Reduced proprioception or can increase the risk of ACL injury.
- Patellar pain – Evidence shows that pain around the patella and/or the front of the knee increases the risk of ACL injury.
These are a number of the factors which increase an individual’s risk of suffering an ACL injury, but can be addressed and minimized by targeted strength and control exercises and training, and we know that it is possible to reduce the number of ACL injuries if individuals complete targeted injury prevention programs.
For more information about ACL injuries and modifiable risk factors detailed above consult a Lifecare Physiotherapist.
Book an appointment with your local Lifecare Physiotherapist.
Written by Cameron Tweedie, Senior MusculoSkeletal Physiotherapist