Clinicodemographic Risk Factors for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Prospective 3-Cohort Study on Collegiate Varsity Athletes

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most distressing injuries for collegiate varsity athletes. Identifying easily attainable clinicodemographic risk factors in this subgroup can help screen for high-risk athletes who may benefit from proven ACL injury risk reduction programs. Purpose: To identify clinicodemographic risk factors for noncontact ACL injury among female and male collegiate varsity athletes from 10 different sports. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 777 (276 female and 501 male athletes) collegiate varsity athletes from 3 consecutive seasons had an extended panel of clinicodemographic parameters recorded at their respective preseason physical sessions. The athletes were followed for 1 athletic season for noncontact ACL injuries. Results: Fifteen (6 female and 9 male athletes) athletes suffered a noncontact ACL injury during their season. Among all athletes, previous lower limb surgery and cutting sport participation were significantly associated with an increased risk of noncontact ACL injury. Among female athletes, previous ACL injury and previous lower limb surgery were significant risk factors. No significant clinicodemographic risk factors were identified in male athletes. Female sex was not a significant risk factor for noncontact ACL injury. Conclusion: The clinicodemographic risk factors for noncontact ACL injury identified in this study are easily attainable and may guide preseason screening for ACL injury risk in collegiate varsity athletes. The lack of association of these risk factors in male athletes may highlight the need to focus on other factors such as kinematics for these athletes.