Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury eMedicine PMR

Description: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) originates from the tibial plateau just medial and anterior to the tibial eminence. The ACL tracts from the tibia superiorly, laterally, and posteriorly to its insertion on the posterior aspect of the medial wall of the lateral femoral condyle. The ACL is composed of 2 bundles, the anteromedial bundle and the posterolateral bundle. The ACL provides 85% of the total restraining force to anterior translation of the tibia. An ACL tear is a common injury that occurs in all types of sports. This injury usually occurs during a sudden cut or deceleration, as it typically is a noncontact injury. The patient states, "I planted, twisted, and then heard a pop." Before the advent of arthroscopic knee surgery in the early 1970s, ACL tear was often a career-ending injury.
Synonyms and related keywords: anterior cruciate ligament injury, ACL injury, ACL tear, anteromedial bundle, posterolateral bundle, hemarthrosis, Segond fracture
Souryal & Adams 2006