Greg Francis is among a growing number of Australians tearing their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Login or signup to continue reading The number of ACL injuries have risen by 5.2 per cent a year in males and 6.
2 per cent a year in females over 20 years. The Medical Journal of Australia published the data this week, saying increased participation in sport was "a significant contributor" to the rise. A study, which involved the University of Sydney and Football Australia, called for a "national, evidence-based program for the primary prevention of ACL injuries in amateur football players".
There were also calls for an "ACL registry" to evaluate the evidence. Mr Francis, of Ourimbah on the Central Coast, has played football for more than 30 years. The 54-year-old competes in an over 35s competition for Gosford City Dragons.
Asked if he thought his age was a factor in his injury, he said "I don't think it is". "In my situation, it was probably sheer dumb luck. Just the way the bloke fell on me.
"It wasn't a dirty tackle, it was wrong place, wrong time." Football Australia states that its "Perform+ injury prevention program" had reduced the risk of players rupturing their ACL by 45 per cent. The medical journal study cited this program, saying it "combines running, plyometric and strength exercises in a 20-minute warm-up".
It added that ACL injuries had "significant economic costs". "Is prevention better, or at least more cost-effective, than cure?" a journal editorial asked. .