It seems like we hear more and more about ACL tears, who is most at risk and is there anything that can be done to prevent this injury?

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are on the rise – mostly due to the dramatic increase in participation in athletics. The largest increase in sports participation is among female athletes. Studies do suggest that the teenage female athlete is at highest risk. Most of this is related to landing mechanics and muscle strength imbalances. The athletes most at risk tends to land in a knock-kneed position, which places the ligament at risk.  The good news is that plyometric training and coaching these high-risk athletes has been proven to reduce his or her risk back to baseline.