Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Anterior Cruciate Ligament
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (pronounced: an-TEER-ee-or KROO-she-ate LIG-uh-ment), often abbreviated as ACL, is one of the four main ligaments within the knee that connect the femur to the tibia. The ACL is critical for stability in the knee and is commonly injured in sports that involve sudden stops and changes in direction.
Etymology
The term "Anterior Cruciate Ligament" derives from Latin. "Anterior" means "before" or "in front of", "Cruciate" means "cross" and "Ligament" means "bandage or tie". This is due to the ligament crossing in front of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament inside the knee.
Function
The main function of the ACL is to prevent the tibia from sliding out in front of the femur and to provide rotational stability to the knee. It is one of the most important structures in maintaining the stability of the knee joint.
Injury
Injuries to the ACL can range from mild such as small tears to severe such as complete tears or when the ligament and part of the bone separate from the rest of the bone. These injuries are common in sports such as football, basketball, soccer, and skiing.
Treatment
Treatment for an ACL injury depends on the severity of the injury. Non-surgical treatment may be used for minor injuries, while surgical treatment, often involving ACL Reconstruction, is typically used for more severe injuries.
Related Terms
This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.