Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

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Prepare for the COMLEX-USA with quizzes featuring flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Gear up for your osteopathic medicine exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is the most common mechanism of injury for the ACL?

Direct blow to the knee
Non-contact, valgus strain on the knee
Twisting injury during a fall
Repetitive stress from jumping

The correct answer is: Non-contact, valgus strain on the knee

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is most commonly injured from a non-contact mechanism, particularly through a valgus strain. This usually occurs when an athlete is changing direction rapidly or landing from a jump, where the knee experiences a combination of valgus stress (a force that moves the knee inward) and rotation. This mechanism not only places tension on the ACL but can also cause it to stretch beyond its normal range, leading to a tear. While direct blows to the knee and twisting injuries can certainly result in ACL injuries, they are less common compared to the non-contact mechanisms. Repetitive stress from jumping could contribute to other knee injuries, but it is not typically associated with acute ACL injuries. The prevalence of non-contact, valgus strains highlights the importance of preventive training and conditioning in athletes who engage in sports that require frequent changes in direction or jumping.