Females are how many times more prone to ACL injury compared to males?

The assertion that females are 4 to 5 times more prone to ACL injuries compared to males is supported by a substantial body of research in sports medicine and biomechanics. This increased risk is attributed to various physiological and anatomical differences, which include factors such as pelvic width, hormones, and neuromuscular control.

Females generally have a wider pelvis, which can alter the alignment of the knee joint, increasing susceptibility to injury during activities that involve cutting, jumping, or pivoting. Additionally, the influence of hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle can affect the laxity of ligaments, potentially making them more vulnerable during certain phases.

Furthermore, studies highlight that females tend to exhibit different landing mechanics than males, often landing with increased knee valgus (inward collapse), which places more stress on the ACL. This combination of structural and functional differences sheds light on the heightened risk of ACL injuries in female athletes, affirming that the risk is indeed in the range of 4 to 5 times greater when compared to their male counterparts.