The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a strong band of connective tissue inside the knee joint that connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). Its primary role is to help stabilize the knee by preventing excessive forward movement and rotation of the tibia. Unlike muscles, ligaments like the ACL are not designed to stretch, so they provide passive stability while the muscles and tendons control movement.
Most ACL injuries occur without direct contact. Common mechanisms include sudden deceleration, rapid pivoting, landing awkwardly from a jump, hyperextension, or twisting the knee with the foot firmly planted. A partial…
