Sexual Dimorphisms in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Current Concepts Review

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedics
• Biomedical Science

Background:

• Female athletes exhibit a higher incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries compared to male athletes.
• The reasons for this disparity in ACL injury risk are not fully understood, prompting further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review existing literature on sexual dimorphisms in ACL injuries.
• To guide the development of effective prevention strategies and treatment protocols.
• To identify areas for future research in ACL injury among athletes.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of scientific literature was conducted.
• A comprehensive search identified 122 relevant studies published between 1982 and 2017.
• Studies focused on sex-specific differences in ACL injury epidemiology, prevention, treatment, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Female athletes are at a significantly higher risk for ACL injuries, though the precise causes remain unclear.
• Research has evolved from focusing on intrinsic factors to exploring extrinsic factors contributing to increased risk.
• Female athletes are less likely to undergo reconstructive surgery and experience poorer outcomes post-surgery compared to males.

Conclusions:

• Historical research on ACL injuries has predominantly focused on male athletes, with a deficiency in sex-specific reporting.
• Further research is essential for ACL injury prevention, treatment techniques, and reconstruction to improve outcomes for female athletes.
• Addressing disparities in surgical rates and optimizing surgical techniques for female athletes requires dedicated investigation.