Patient Information Resources


Orthogate
1089 Spadina Road
Toronto, AL M5N 2M7
Ph: 416-483-2654
Fax: 416-483-2654
christian@orthogate.com






Ankle
Child Orthopedics
Elbow
Foot
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Shoulder
Spine - Cervical
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

I know this is going to sound weird but I'll ask anyway. Is there any connection between a full moon and ACL injuries? Both my sister and I tore our ACL during a full moon. We did a little internet research and found some evidence there might be a real connection. You have a much more scientific, medical approach. So what do you think?

Girls and women seem to be at greater risk for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) than their male counterparts. Women playing basketball and soccer are much more likely to injure their ACLs than men playing these same sports at the same level. Much research has gone into trying to understand the risk factors in order to prevent this potentially disabling injury. Some studies have attempted to see if females are more likely to injure their knees at a particular time in the menstrual cycle. There are some reports that ACL tears are more likely at three points in the menstrual cycle: the preovulatory phase, follicular phase, and menstrual phase. Each of these phases has different changes in the type and levels of hormones circulating in the blood. Since each normal menstrual cycle is approximately a month long, there may be a connection to the moon cycles. We are unaware of any scientific studies to prove or disprove this connection. Scientists have discovered receptor sites on the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) for hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Just the presence of these places for hormones to attach to cells suggests hormones may influence ligaments. But what the connection is or exactly how these hormones affect the ACL is a big unknown right now.

References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.