Loose joints may explain ACL injuries in girls

The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is a tough band of tissue that runs from the thigh bone to shin bone.

This latest study found female athletes who's knee joints were less stable or were hyperextended were five times more likely to injure their ACL.

After puberty, joint flexibility tends to increase in females and decrease in males. Researchers are now investigating what type of exercises are most effective at lowering the risks.

The findings are published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.

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