Most Common Sports Injuries example essay topic

Ligaments are tough, non-stretchable fibers that hold bones together. Damage to cruciate ligaments, which crisscross the knee to give it stability, is one of the most common sports injuries. The "tear" occurs from changing direction rapidly, slowing down from running, or landing from a jump improperly. The A.C. L tear is one injury that worries athletes in all sports at all levels because of its devastating effects. People ages 15-25 that participate in basketball and other sports that require pivoting are especially at risk. General Information "The anterior ligament is a strong band that arises from the posterior middle part of the lateral condyle of the femur, it passes anteriorly and inferior ly between the condyle, and is attached to the depression in front of the inter condylar eminence of the tibia (Mosby's page.

105)". The tear of the A.C. L is described as a partial or complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. The A.C.L. does not repair by itself. It is so important to an athlete in most sports because an athlete has to be able to rotate the knee in specific directions. The tear happens more frequently in soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Athletes who started participating in a sport while they were young have a greater chance of sustaining a tear.

Women are more susceptible to this injury than men. Theories for this include hormonal, environmental, and biomechanical factors. "Women's muscles react differently in landing. Doctors say that women land with straighter legs than men do; thus, they pass their shock to the A.C.L. resulting in a tear. Environmental factors are shoes and playing surfaces".

(Patrick, Dick) Causes and Symptoms The most common way to tear the A.C. L is by violently twisting the knee. This can happen with or without contact. Most people say they hear "a pop". It can occur when you " re slowing down from running, planting and suddenly changing direction, or hyper extending the knee. "When this happens immediate pain results, the knee will fully swell, tenderness occurs around the knee, and the range of motion will be greatly affected".

(Micheli, Dr. Lyle J.) The first thing to do if an injury occurs is to use R.I.C.E., which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Diagnosis After the injury has occurred, the injured should see the family doctor or possibly a specialist to see if something is torn. The doctor will do some range of motion testing. Theses test are the Lachlan, Dynamic extension and the pivot jerk. If the doctor suspects that there is an injury to the knee in some way, the he or she will order a M.R.I. of the knee. M.R.I. stands for magnetic resonance dimensional image of the knee. Energy from a powerful magnet stimulates knee tissue to produce signals that are detected by a scanner and then analyzed by a computer.

(Mosby, Inc.) A three- dimensional image of the knee is created. Another way of finding out if something is torn is by an arthroscopy. The doctor inserts a small, lighted optic tube through a small incision into the knee. At the end of the tube is a tiny camera that the doctor can see the inside of the knee on a TV monitor. The doctor uses this procedure to confirm the clinical diagnosis. (Sports injuries handbook) Treatment The first treatment is using R.I.C.E. Then a brace will be used to immobilize the knee.

Do not bear any weight on the knee and use crutches. The doctor will prescribe pain relievers and possibly anti inflammatory medication. What happens next depends on the individual patient. The options are to have an operation or not to have an operation.

An operation is for athletes that who want to participate in sports again. "The doctor's decision not to recommend an operation depends upon your age, stability, partial tear, and if the patient wants to get back into being active again". (A.C.L. Tear) If there is no need for an operation then it is required to control the pain and swelling, do physical therapy for about 3 months, and use a brace during sports. The last resort is for an operation. There are many different procedures. For example there is arthroscopic. Where apart of the hamstring, achilles tendon (both autographs), or a cadaver is used as the new A.C.L. (Allograph).

"After surgery 9-12 months of rehabilitation is needed to resume to sports". (Micheli, Cr. Lyle J.) The outcome of this is that the knee is much stronger, restores stability, and gets you back to being active again. Prevention There are three cycles to concentrate on for an athlete. The off-season should focus on increased hamstring strength, flexibility, coordination, jumping exercises, and how to land "softly". (E dell, David) In-season is keeping flexible, stretching, and keeping muscle strength.

In post-season using the weight room is very important. Hamstring curls, squats, power cleans, and dead lift will help prevent this type of tear. Remember to use the proper increase of load. Neuromuscular training is a great way to prevent the A.C.L. tear. This includes balance exercises simulating game-type moves and bumping. Single leg balance, landing position, stopping and cutting, strengthening core muscles around pelvis are all included in this program.

(Patrick, Dick) I have suffered this injury in the beginning of the basketball season of my sophomore year. I was running down the court and slowed down to quickly. I immediately felt my knee pop and terrible pain. I have had reconstruction of my medial A.C.L. and currently receiving rehab to recondition my knee so I can play sports again.