Review Question - QID 4401

A genotype within the COL5A1 gene is associated with reduced risk for ACL ruptures in women.

Females are at increased risk of ACL injuries when compared to males with a male:female injury ration of 1:4.5. In females these injuries are more often noncontact injuries. Other factors that help explain the increased incidence in women include neuromuscular forces and control, landing biomechanics, smaller femoral notches, genetic factors related to collagen production, smaller ligaments, hormone levels, and valgus leg alignment.

Posthumus et al. found that the CC genotype of the COL5A1 BstUI RFLP was underrepresented in female participants with ACL ruptures. This is the first study to show that there is a specific genetic risk factor associated with risk of ACL ruptures in female athletes.

Padua et al. evaluated a clinical screening tool called LESS (the Landing Error Scoring System) to identify patients at risk for ACL injury. It is scored from a video of subjects performing a jump-landing-rebound task. They found it to be a valid and reliable tool for identifying potentially high-risk movement patterns which could predispose to ACL injury.

Chappell et al. analyzed videos of athletes performing a stop-jump task. Female subjects prepared for landing with decreased hip and knee flexion at landing, increased quadriceps activation, and decreased hamstring activation, which may result in increased ACL loading and risk for noncontact ACL injury.

Illustration A shows a schematic of lower extremity internal rotation and knee valgus that can predispose to ACL injury. Illustration V is a video that shows an athletic trainer discussing and demonstrating the importance of correct mechanics for jumping and landing.

Incorrect Answers:
Answer 1,2,3,5: Studies have not shown a correlation between these conditions and the COL5A1 gene.