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ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURY MECHANISM IN SNOWBOARDERS AND SKATEBOARDERS



Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of injury causing anterior cruciate ligament ruptures in snowboarders and skateboarders.

Knee injuries in snowboarding and skateboarding are rare. We have seen 22 ACL ruptures with an identical injury mechanism that has not been previously described. Fifteen ACL ruptures occurred in snow-boarders and 7 in skateboarders. All were advanced or expert boarders. All injuries occurred on landing a high jump, which resulted in significant knee compression. All described a flat landing on a flexed knee with no twisting component.

We postulate that anterior cruciate ligament rupture in these patients is due to explosive eccentric quadriceps contraction when landing from a jump. The injury mechanism is not boot induced as has been described in downhill skiers landing from a jump.

Correspondence should be addressed to the editorial secretary: Associate Professor Jean-Claude Theis, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dunedin Hospital, Private Bag 1921, Dunedin, New Zealand.