Risk factors of anterior cruciate ligament injury in football players: a systematic review of the literature

Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. 2016 Feb 12;6(4):480-485. doi: 10.11138/mltj/2016.6.4.480. eCollection 2016 Oct-Dec.

Abstract

Background: The ACL lesion represents one of the most dramatic injuries in a sportsman's career. There are many injury risk factors related to intrinsic, or non-modifiable, and extrinsic, or modifiable, factors. In literature at today current evidence suggests that ACL injury risk is multifactorial and involves biomechanical, anatomical, hormonal and neuromuscular factors.

Purpose: To perform a systematic review of the literature concerning the ACL injury risk factors in soccer.

Conclusion: The injury risk factors show a low level of evidence, further studies in the field are needed.

Study design: Systematic review.

Keywords: ACL; age; gender; genetic risk factors; training.