Which of the following is a common cause of ACL injury?

Changing direction laterally is a common cause of ACL injuries because it places significant stress on the knee joint. When an athlete performs a lateral cut or pivot while running or jumping, the knee can experience excessive forces, especially when combined with sudden changes in speed or direction. The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee during these movements.

In scenarios where an athlete twists or turns sharply, the ACL can become overstretched or even torn, particularly if the foot is planted while the body is moving in another direction. This is why sports involving rapid lateral movements, such as basketball, soccer, or football, have higher incidences of ACL injuries. The mechanics of lateral movements greatly increase the likelihood of injury compared to movements that don’t involve directional changes, such as running straight, walking backwards, or jumping straight up, where the knees are not subjected to similar twisting forces.