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ACL Injuries in Former NFL Players

March 20, 2019
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The ACL helps you perform cutting, multidirectional movements in football and other sports. Unfortunately, ACL tears frequently occur during the football playing years and may have important implications for long-term damage to your knee and overall health. Below, you will find our research results on the potential consequences following ACL injury, along with ways to be proactive about your health.

What the Science Says

We studied 3,500 former players and found that those who sustained ACL tears may be at an increased risk for future health problems. Specifically, an ACL injury may:

  • Increase future risk of heart attack by as much as 50%
  • Double the likelihood of knee replacement surgery
  • Raise arthritis risk by 50%

While we expected to find strong associations between ACL tears and long-term joint health (knee replacement surgery and arthritis), the potential relationship between ACL injury and heart health is surprising. These results could be attributed to decreased activity after injury, stress, chronic inflammation, or a combination of factors. While we hope to learn how to prevent and improve treatment of ACL tears, former players who have prior ACL injury can follow practical guidance to improve current health.

Read the full paper.

Action Items for Former Players

Heart health is something all former players should prioritize, regardless of whether or not they have sustained an ACL injury. Below are some joint-friendly tips for maintaining and improving your heart health:

  • Ask your physician to recommend specific exercises and lifestyle choices known to improve heart health while limiting wear and tear on your joints – for example, swimming and biking.
  • Talk with your doctor about tests that help you understand your cardiovascular risk profile. This will provide you with personalized information on the factors most likely to impact your heart health (cholesterol levels, blood pressure, family history, etc.), and allow you to better target your efforts to maintain a healthy heart.
  • Ensure you are taking appropriate steps to improve your knee function through physical therapy and other safer treatment options, and discuss with your physician the risks related to any pain medications you may be taking.