Study Finds Surprising Differences in Knee Injuries Between Men and Women

A 2025 analysis of over 13,500 knee MRI scans revealed that men have more anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears overall, including ACL plus meniscus combinations, contrary to earlier data focused on female athletes

Men under 40 were more likely to have trauma-driven medial collateral ligament (MCL) and meniscus injuries, while women over 40 had a higher rate of degenerative MCL and meniscus damage

These patterns suggest trauma dominates in male injuries, while age-linked tissue breakdown plays a bigger role in older female patients

These results can aid clinicians and radiologists in recognizing patterns of injury so they can tailor imaging protocols, risk assessments, and early intervention strategies for patients

Researchers say these gender-specific patterns may change the screening, prevention, and rehabilitation for knee injury across lifespans