Thirty years ago I tore the ACL in my left knee playing football. Now my high school son has done the same thing. Is there a hereditary factor in these kinds of injuries?
Researchers have not explored this type of connection in humans. Believe it or not, it's discussed much more in the animal world, especially among dogs. Athletic breeds of dogs are at risk for ACL tears.
Animal experts say that while some ACL injuries are simply a case of the dog being in the wrong place at the wrong time, there is also some strong evidence that there are genetic components to the tendency toward ACL tears and ruptures.
Hereditary hypermobility of joints has been named as a possible cause of ankle sprains. Without a strong ligamentous support system, joints may be at increased risk for injury. Whether or not this is true for the ACL is not known at this time.
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