Some of the Most Serious Sports Injuries

Injuries are commonplace in sports. While most of them are simple sprains and concussions, there are several injuries that every athlete dreads. What are those? Here are some of the most common serious sports injuries.

Torn ACL

The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is one of four major knee ligaments that hold the knee joint together. Massive force exerted into the knees when quickly changing directions – such as in football or basketball – may tear the ACL. This is characterized by a “pop”, and the knee giving way. Once you suffer this injury, you are most likely done for the season, and could possibly sit things out a year or so – just ask Derrick Rose.

Severe Concussion

Common in contact sports like boxing or MMA, severe blows to critical body regions like the head can lead to serious complications (e.g. impaired vision, memory, and motor function).

Torn Ulnar Collateral Ligament

Baseball pitchers and tennis players are at a particular risk of tearing their UCL. The UCL is much like the ACL, but it is basically one of the ligaments that hold the elbow joint together. Heavy use of the joint can cause the ligament to stretch, fray, and tear due to the strain.

Fractured Vertebrae

This is probably the worst of all, mainly because it is directly related to the spinal cord – a vital component of one’s nervous system. Fracturing a vertebra can essentially paralyze an athlete on a specific part of the body, potentially ending his career once and for all.