The Knee Anatomy

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Quick overview & symptoms

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament, or more commonly known as the “ACL”, is one of four major ligaments which connect the femur and the tibia which is located in the knee. The knee is one of the most complicated joints in the body consisting of many bones, tissue, joint, and four major ligaments holding it all together. They are like strong ropes working to provide rotational stability as well as anterior/posterior/medial/lateral stability to the knee to the knee. An ACL is a very commonly injured ligament, mainly torn when in high-risk sports that involve cutting and pivoting such as downhill skiing, basketball, soccer, and American football. When experiencing the tear, many patients tend to hear a loud popping sound from the knee. Weight-bearing on that leg will be painful for a few weeks, while you will notice swelling within that day. There will be a drastic decrease in range of motion and inability to continue the activity. There are three levels in an injury to an ACL referred to in grades. The first being a minor sprain without needing surgery. The “grade two” sprain is an incomplete tear which in some cases heals itself, although surgery is highly recommended. Finally, the last and worst injury to the ACL is a grade three tear where the ACL has fully torn and surgery is needed for the healing process