Interview on ABC NSW about Lindsey Vonn, ACL injury & more

Ky Wynne was recently invited onto ABC NSW during the breakfast program with Eddie Williams to discuss the topic of ACL injuries, with a particular focus on the topical news of during the Winter Olympics of Lindsey Vonn, Valentino Guseli, Daisey Thomas, Laura Peel.. and all things ACL recovery. You can see details from the interview below, including the link to the ABC website, a summary from the 16 minute interview, and a link to Ky's social media page which has some of the audio clips displayed.

INTERVIEW RECORDING: see ABC interview here

• Starts: 2hours

• Ends: 2 hours 16 minutes

INSTAGRAM VIDEO @kywynnephysio

INTERVIEW SUMMARY:

ACL injuries are common in sports, especially winter sports, as seen in athletes Valentino Guseli, Lindsay Vonn, and Daisy Thomas at the Winter Olympics. Ky discusses how the ACL is a key ligament in the knee responsible for stability and proprioception. Females are more prone to ACL injuries due to anatomical and hormonal factors, and previous injuries increase risk. Recovery for elite athletes typically takes 9-12 months, while recreational athletes may take 12-18 months or longer. Competing without an ACL, as Lindsay Vonn attempted, involves significant risk and requires expert medical guidance; motion control braces can aid stability in skiing. Prevention for amateur skiers includes strengthening leg muscles (quadriceps, hamstrings, hip muscles), practicing balance and landing exercises, and consulting specialists. Strengthening not only reduces injury risk but also enhances performance. The discussion underscores the complexity of ACL injuries, individualized risk factors, and the importance of tailored rehabilitation and prevention strategies.

KEY POINTS: *as discussed by Ky Wynne during the ABC Interview.

1. What is the ACL and what role does it play in the knee?

The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is a small ligament inside the knee connecting bone to bone. It provides stability for forward, backward, and twisting movements of the knee, and also acts as a feedback receptor to the brain for proprioception.

2. Why are ACL injuries common in sports, especially snow sports?

ACL injuries are common due to multiple factors including anatomical, hormonal, and strength imbalances, especially in females who are 2 to 8 times more likely to be injured. In snow sports, environmental conditions like icy slopes, snow conditions, temperature, ski types, and bindings also contribute to the risk.

3. Does an athlete's baseline strength affect their ACL injury recovery?

Yes, baseline strength and fitness are very important. Elite athletes with higher strength levels typically recover faster, often within 9 to 12 months, while recreational athletes may take 12 to 18 months or longer to recover.

4. What happens when the ACL is torn?

When the ACL is torn or ruptured, the ligament loses its stability and proprioceptive functions. Unlike some other ligaments, the ACL does not heal well on its own, leaving the knee unstable without surgical intervention or rehabilitation.

5. How can some athletes compete without an ACL?

Some elite athletes may choose to compete without an ACL by weighing the risks with their medical team. They often have high strength levels and use motion control braces to help stabilize the knee. However, this carries a higher risk of further injury to other knee structures.

6. What factors influence the decision for an athlete to compete after an ACL injury?

Factors include the athlete's career stage, timing in the season, knee condition post-injury, physical capacity, and acceptance of risk. The use of braces and the type of sport or event also influence the decision.

7. What can everyday skiers or snowboarders do to reduce their risk of ACL injury?

They should prepare their bodies by building leg strength, especially in quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles, over 2 to 3 months. Practicing landing exercises, single-leg balance, core strengthening, and stability exercises can also help mitigate risk. Consulting a specialist and considering motion control braces are recommended for those with existing knee issues.