State of Washington – As ski lifts fill up again with winter sports enthusiasts ready to hit the slopes, medical personnel prepare for an increase in torn ACLs, according to a UW Medicine press release. Although musculoskeletal injuries are reported to be on the rise overall, Winter’s participation in sports leads to even more anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears.
This ligament lies on the inside of the knee and helps control the knee and stabilize it during rotation.
“I think ACL injuries always come in waves when the ski season starts, and they continue throughout the season,” says Mia Hagen, M.D., orthopedic surgeon, chief of surgery at UW Medicine Sports. Medicine Center at Husky Stadium. “Most of the injuries we see happen towards the end of the day in skiing, like the last run when muscle fatigue sets in.”
At the UW Medicine Sports Medicine Center at Husky Stadium, skiing injuries are the most common, with ACL tears topping the list, Hagen said. Injuries occur all year round, but are more common during the winter sports season because skiing is risky.
Anyone can tear an ACL while skiing, but Hagen says it’s more common in adults who are just starting to ski.
“So be careful and know your limits,” said Hagen. “Everyone is always excited to get out. Make sure you’re training properly to start skiing. You can also start on a lighter day.”
