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What is it?
A ligament is composed of connective tissue that attaches two bones. The four ligaments that provide the main source of stability in the knee are the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL) and the medial and lateral collateral ligaments (MCL and LCL).
The ACL attaches to the front of the shin bone (tibia), runs between the menisci to the end of the thigh bone (femur). The ACL stabilizes the knee by limiting the amount of the forward motion of the tibia and preventing excessive external rotation. When the ACL is damaged pivoting movements become difficult and the sensation of the knee ‘giving out’ is common.
What causes it?
There are numerous ways in which an ACL injury can occur, including work injuries, trauma and sudden twists. ACL injuries are common to sports such as hockey, soccer, football and skiing where sudden turns, cutting and pivoting are required.
What does treatment involve? (may include 1 or all of the following)
Please consult your physician for a complete diagnosis of your injury.
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