Orthopedics Today interviews Gabriella E. Ode, MD, sports medicine surgeon at HSS, about injuries among female athletes. 

According to a 2022 report from the Women’s Sports Foundation, the percentage of girls participating on high school varsity teams increased from 7% in 1972 to 43% in 2018 to 2019, the most recent reporting year. The report also noted the percentage of women competing on college teams increased from 15% in 1972 to 44% during the 2020 to 2021 academic year.

Despite an increasing number of women in sports, inequalities still exist not only in participation opportunities but in research of injuries and care of female athletes, as well. 

According to Dr. Ode, “Non-modifiable risk factors, such as the width of the pelvis, angle of the knees and muscle balance, can put women at a higher risk of ACL tears.”

She continued, “There are some studies that say there might be a predisposition during certain times during their menstrual cycle that they are more prone to injury that can contribute to ACL tears. There is a complex interplay as to why but, certainly, the highest risk category for an ACL tear is going to be a female athlete who participates in a cutting-and-pivoting sport, like soccer, basketball, etc.”

Read the full article at healio.com.