Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Causes & Risks

Causes

Most ACL tears occur during non-contact injuries, such as:

Planting the foot and cutting
Pivoting
Landing on a straight leg
Making a sudden stop

The ACL can also be injured from a direct blow to the knee.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Sex: female
Muscle imbalance between the quadriceps and hamstrings (weaker hamstrings)
Weak quadriceps and hamstrings
Playing sports that require sudden changes of direction and deceleration
Incorrect technique for cutting, planting, pivoting, or jumping

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2025 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.