The Ultimate Guide to Knee injuries in Female Athletes

Female Athletes
Written By Dr. William Sterett, M.D.

Working with some of the world's top female athletes has given me unique insight into the topic of women's knee injuries.

As the Head Physician for the Women's U.S. Alpine Ski team, I've been working with some of the top female athletes in the world for almost 20 years.  

Being in this position has given me a chance to see firsthand a level of commitment,  competitive spirit, and mental & physical toughness that is almost unparalleled.  Let's just say that these ladies bring it. 

It also means that I've had exposure to a staggering amount of injuries, and, unfortunately, these aren't just limited to the top athletes.  From high school to college on to the highest levels (and including recreational athletes), it's pretty much understood that female athletes have a higher risk of major knee injuries to the ACL and MCL.  

However, most people don't know why this is the case or what steps can be taken to try to mitigate the risk of injury to our female athletes. 

“I’ve had exposure to a staggering amount of injuries, and, unfortunately, these aren’t just limited to the top athletes.”
— Dr. Bill Sterett

In the interest of providing a place where we can discuss and disseminate accurate information on the topic of knee injuries in female athletes, I've decided to create a dedicated online resources to educate and inform anyone who's interested in the topic of knee injuries to female athletes.

Whether informing athletes themselves or the loved ones that support them, I think "The Female ACL" will be a fantastic place to help lead the discussion on the topic of injuries, prevention, techniques, and recovery methods that demystify and inform us moving forward.

Dr. Sterett breaks down some of the anatomical reasons that women are at a higher risk for ACL and other knee injuries. See more videos here!

WILLIAM (BILL) STERETT, M.D. IS AN ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON RESIDING IN VAIL, COLORADO.

DR. STERETT IS THE HEAD TEAM PHYSICIAN FOR THE US WOMEN’S ALPINE SKI TEAM AND THE MEDICAL DIRECTOR FOR THE VAIL VALLEY SURGERY CENTERS.



Dr. William Sterett, M.D.

Dr. Bill Sterett is the Head Team Physician for the US Women’s Alpine Ski Team and has been since 1997, with athletes over the years such as Picabo Street, Kristina Koznick, Caroline LaLive, Julia Mancuso and Mikaela Shiffrin. He has served as a US Olympic Committee Team Physician for the past four Winter Olympic Games, with the US Olympic Committee entrusting the care of their athletes to Dr. Sterett in Salt Lake City, Torino, Vancouver and Sochi.

Dr. Sterett is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, a member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, a member of the Arthroscopy Association of North America, and is one of the few physicians who have earned a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine.

Dr. Sterett has published more than 30 peer-reviewed articles and has lectured regionally, nationally and internationally on hundreds of occasions over the past twenty years. He currently holds patents on orthopedic devices involved in Joint Preservation and works as a consultant to Arthrex and Biomet sports medicine companies.

Dr. Sterett started the Athletic Training Fellowship Program in Vail, Colorado, and served as its Fellowship Director for 15 years. Additionally, he has served as the Medical Director for the Eagle County School District for 14 years, making daily return-to-play decisions and treating local student athletes. Currently, he serves as the Medical Director for the Vail Valley Surgery Centers and has for the past 12 years.

http://www.drsterett.com
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