Recent Blog Articles
Lead poisoning: What parents should know and do
How does waiting on prostate cancer treatment affect survival?
Does running cause arthritis?
Is alcohol and weight loss surgery a risky combination?
Preventing ovarian cancer: Should women consider removing fallopian tubes?
Healthier planet, healthier people
Is snuff really safer than smoking?
Will miscarriage care remain available?
Considering collagen drinks and supplements?
Does less TV time lower your risk for dementia?
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Injuries
What are ACL injuries?
Ligaments are tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect two bones. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) are inside the knee joint. These ligaments connect the thigh bone (femur) and the large bone of the lower leg (tibia) at the knee joint. The ACL and PCL form an "X" inside the knee that stabilizes the knee against front-to-back or back-to-front forces.
| |
An ACL injury is a sprain or tear, in which the ligament is stretched beyond its normal range. When the ACL is torn, it's almost always due to at least one of the following patterns of injury:
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!
