Acl Tears in Female and Male Professional Soccer Players

Purpose : Women’s football has experienced significant growth, with approximately 29 million female players worldwide, emphasizing the need for research focused on injuries. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures are a major concern, particularly among elite players, and understanding gender differences in injury incidence and recovery is crucial for developing effective prevention and rehabilitation strategies. Methods : This retrospective study analyzed ACL injuries in male and female players from the top five European leagues (Serie A, Premier League, Ligue 1, La Liga, and Bundesliga) during the 2022-2023. A total of 169 players (71 female, 101 male) who underwent ACL reconstruction were included. Data on age, body mass index (BMI), injury history, affected side, playing position, and return-to-play (RTP) outcomes were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS® software with a significance level of P < .05. Results : Female players had a significantly longer average RTP (300 days) compared to male players (248 days) (P < .001). Furthermore, 3.5% of female athletes did not return to play, while 12.2% of male athletes failed to achieve RTP (P = .028). The defender position had the highest non-return rate (25%). Conclusion : This study highlights significant gender differences in ACL injury recovery in professional football. Female athletes face longer rehabilitation periods and greater challenges in returning to play, indicating a need for tailored injury management strategies and position-specific rehabilitation programs. Further research and targeted interventions are essential to improve outcomes for female players, enhancing safety and career longevity.