Nev Davies and Will Jackson, two consultant orthopaedic surgeons, respond to a number of queries regarding the alarming increase in ACL injuries among teenagers participating in grassroots sports...

An ACL is what? How does it work?

One of the four major structural ligaments that regulates the stability of the knee is the ACL. It extends inside the knee from the bottom of the thigh bone to the top of the shin bone and is about the same thickness as your little finger. When playing sports like football, netball, rugby, and basketball, managing rotating and side-stepping movements is especially crucial.

Proprioceptors, which serve as the link between the brain and the knee, are crucial receptors that the ACL has inside its tissue. They permit the brain to

Why is this such a big deal?

Our knee clinics are seeing more young sports athletes with ACL tears, and we are seeing the detrimental impacts that have on their physical, mental, social, and academic well-being. The majority of patients need reconstructive surgery, then they must recover for a year without participating in their sport. Even with the best care, these injuries frequently have long-term effects. Knowing that many of these injuries may be avoided with widespread adoption of a systematic, injury prevention warm-up frustrates us.

This 15-minute warm-up, which should be done frequently, consists of strengthening, balance, and agility exercises.

We are creating a network of physicians in the UK who share our values and who support the effort by providing training to their regional coaches.

We require collaboration with funding organizations that share the same ideals of investing in our communities and caring for the wellness of young people if this generational transition among coaches and young athletes is to be sustainable and long-lasting.

Visit www.poweruptoplay.org for more details on the aforementioned and to get involved. 

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Yeboah Julius

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