Throughout the excitement of the Women’s World Cup, there’s been a steady stream of headlines — and not just about the games. Several star players were not able to participate because they are rehabilitating ACL tears.

According to an ESPN article, with “… so many talented players missing, the spate of injuries is casting a pall over the tournament.”

Will it be a big enough pall to prompt those with financial interests in the teams to channel resources to prevention of this devastating injury?

ACL reconstruction is a major and expensive surgery. Rehabilitation takes months. It takes a toll on the athlete and the team. Isn’t it time to apply what researchers have learned over the last couple of decades?

Why do so many girls and women tear their ACL?

Females are 5 to 8 times more likely to tear their ACL than males. Some of the factors that put them at risk:

• The physical structure of a female knee

• Improper movement when an athlete changes direction while moving or landing from a jump

• Playing sports that involve frequent changes in direction, stopping quickly, and landing from jumps

What can we do about the high incidence of ACL tears?

Over 20 years of research shows that prevention programs work. Some studies show up to an 80% reduction in ACL tears. We need greater awareness and implementation of prevention programs — starting with high school athletics.

When will we do more to prevent ACL tears?

Despite the knowledge, there is a lack of awareness or a lack of commitment from coaches to implement injury prevention in their practices. Yet there is reason to hope that will change over the next two decades.

Tom Farrey, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program suggests we should treat ACL injuries like brain injuries. In May, his organization and the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) created the National ACL Injury Coalition. Their charge: to identify and implement injury prevention resources to reduce the number of ACL tears for high school athletes.

Who can make a difference?

Coaches can help drive the number of injuries down by implementing injury prevention programs. They play a huge part in keeping their athletes healthy and teams strong.

Athletic trainers and injury prevention programs can provide coaches with the tools they need. Just a few minutes of exercises incorporated into practice can make a difference.

Athletic and school administrators can support injury prevention by providing needed resources. Funding for athletic training staff is critical.

Parents can ask if their children’s coaches have resources to prevent injuries. They should insist on it.

The nearly 60 women’s professional soccer players from the six major leagues who tore their ACLs in the last year. The stage they’re on now may be more important than being on the pitch.

Read more about ACL Injuries

ACL injuries are keeping stars out of the World Cup, Anne M. Peterson, AP, July 12, 2023.

Let's Start Treating Knee Injuries Like Brain Injuries, Tom Farrey, TIME, July 17, 2023.

What will it take to get ACL prevention programs implemented in youth sports?, Christine Hawkinson, Lessons from the Driveway, March 25, 2023.

Why many Women's World Cup stars are missing due to torn ACLs, Jeff Carlisle, U.S. soccer correspondent, Jul 19, 2023.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. Statements are based on personal experience, credible news articles and medical resources. My intention is to raise awareness. Please learn more and discuss questions and concerns with your family's physician.

Photo by Fauzan Saari on Unsplash