Newsday reports on the rise of ACL injuries in young athletes according to Stephen Fealy, MD,  sports medicine surgeon at HSS. 

“Young athletes gain enormous health benefits from participation in team sports, and as sports medicine physicians, we strongly encourage athletic activity. However, we have seen a concerning increase in knee injuries involving the anterior cruciate ligament, commonly called the ACL. Adolescents playing team sports that require cutting maneuvers or a sudden change of direction, such as soccer, basketball, football and lacrosse, are most vulnerable. Research suggests that the risk of non-contact ACL injury can be dramatically reduced through neuromuscular training — the adoption of various exercise and conditioning strategies that improve movement and allow athletes to change speed and direction with greater strength and body control," explained Dr. Fealy. 

The article appeared in the print issue on August 21, 2024.