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Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries…

A torn anterior cruciate ligament is one of the most common knee ligament injuries. Our understanding of the anterior cruciate ligament and its importance to knee stability has increased greatly over the past ten years. Techniques for diagnosing the injury and performing surgical reconstruction have become more reliable.

Anatomy
There are four major ligaments which provide knee stability. The anterior cruciate ligament is located inside the knee joint next to the posterior cruciate ligament. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) are on the outside of the knee joint. There are also two meniscal cartilages which act as shock absorbers and provide a small amount of stability. Articular cartilage lines the knee joint and allows for its smooth, nearly frictionless motion. A torn interior cruciate ligament is commonly associated with injury to one or more of the structures.

Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament occurs most often in athletic activities. The injury typically does not require a blow to the knee, but instead involves a rapid change in direction or deceleration maneuver. The individual will often hear a "pop" inside the knee. This is usually followed by increasing pain and swelling as well as progressive inability to bear weight on the leg.

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