What percentage of ACL injuries are estimated to be non-contact?

The estimate that 70-75% of ACL injuries are non-contact is supported by numerous studies and data collected in sports medicine and biomechanics. Non-contact ACL injuries typically occur during activities that involve sudden changes in direction, jumping, or landing, where the foot is planted while the knee experiences a significant load.

This statistic emphasizes the importance of understanding the mechanisms behind these injuries, highlighting that a significant majority do not arise from direct contact with another player or object, but rather from the athlete's own movements. This understanding can guide corrective exercise programming and injury prevention strategies that focus on improving proprioception, strength, and in particular, the biomechanics of movement patterns that lead to such injuries.

In contrast, the other percentage ranges do not align as closely with current research findings and therefore do not reflect the prevalent view within the sports medicine community regarding the nature of ACL injuries.