What is the Anterior Cruciate Ligament?

Definition or Meaning

“Anterior Cruciate Ligament” definition:

The anterior cruciate ligament, also known as the ACL, is a strong band of tissue that stretches diagonally across the knee joint.

The ACL connects to both sides of the knee and can be injured when you twist or turn your knee too quickly or forcefully. Most often it happens when you land from a jump and your foot slips out from under you, causing your knee to twist in an awkward direction.

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The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most important ligaments in the knee, running from the back of your thigh to the front of your shin bone. It crosses over the joint between your shin and thigh bones, and helps hold them together while you move.

The ACL helps to keep your knee stable when it bends or straightens. When you run, climb stairs, pivot quickly or change direction, it controls how much stress goes on to your knee joint by keeping it from twisting too far in either direction.

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Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) connects the femur to the tibia and acts as a stabilizer to prevent internal rotation, anterior movement, and excessive flexion of the joint.

An ACL injury is typically an acute injury, meaning it happens suddenly with one specific event or incident. The most common injuries happen when a person slips on wet ground while running or pivoting with their foot planted.

There are 5 stages in ACL recovery: 1) Pain control, 2) Reduction swelling 3) Restoring range of motion 4) Strengthening muscles 5) Return to activity