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"Anatomical Variability: Why No Two Bodies Are the Same"
Due to anatomical differences in the knee, females are more likely to experience an ACL tear than males.
“Women generally have wider hips compared to men and are often more knocked-kneed, which means their knees tend to tilt inward. This alignment alters the knee joint, increasing the risk of ACL injuries during movements such as jumping, pivoting and landing. The ACL tissue is also typically thinner in women, so it takes less force to tear.”
The quote emphasizes how anatomical and physiological differences between men and women contribute to the higher rate of ACL injuries in women, particularly in sports that involve jumping, pivoting, or sudden changes in direction. Women generally have wider hips, which increases the Q-angle between the hip and knee and often results in a knock-kneed alignment, where the knees tilt inward. This is important when comparing the ACL tear rates between female and male athletes.
Quadriceps Angle: The angle formed by a line drawn from the hip to the knee cap and another from the knee cap to the tibial tuberosity
Females: Typically have a wider pelvis, resulting in a larger Q-angle.
Impact: Larger Q-angle increases the tendency for knee valgus, placing more stress on the ACL.
Intercondylar Notch Width: The groove in the femur where the ACL passes through
Females: Often have a narrower notch, which can pinch or abrade the ACL, making it more prone to injury.
Impact: Less space = higher risk for tearing under stress or repeated trauma
ACL Size:
Females: Tend to have a smaller ACL in both length and cross-sectional area.
Impact: Smaller ligaments are less resistant to strain and more susceptible to rupture during high-load movements.
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