Definition: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments critical to the stability of the knee joint. A ligament is made of tough fibrous material and functions to control excessive motion by limiting joint mobility. Of the four major ligaments of the knee, the ACL is the most frequently injured.
The ACL is the primary restraint to forward motion of the shin bone (tibia). The femur (thigh bone) sits on top of the tibia (shin bone), and the knee joint allows movement at the junction of these bones. The ACL prevents the tibia from sliding too far forward. The ACL also contributes stability to other movements at the joint including the angulation and rotation.
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ACL Injuries
Also Known As: acl
