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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Anterior Longitudinal Ligament
    Spinal ligament running along the front of the vertebral column.
    Rectus Abdominis
    Abs muscle that flexes the trunk.
    Interspinous Ligament
    Spinal ligament between adjacent vertebral spinous processes.
    Iliolumbar Ligament
    Ligament connecting the ilium and lumbar vertebrae.
    Coccygeus
    Pelvic floor muscle supporting the coccyx.
    Vomer Bone
    Bone forming the nasal septum.
    Ethmoid Bone
    Bone forming part of the nasal cavity and the orbit.
    Biceps Brachii
    Muscle responsible for elbow flexion.
    Vertebral Column
    Spinal column consisting of vertebrae.
    Acetabulum
    The acetabulum is the pelvic socket that connects with the femoral head to form the hip joint, vital for stability, movement, and weight-bearing.
    Pectoralis Major
    Chest muscle responsible for shoulder movement.
    Sesamoid Bones
    e.g., patella, some found in hands/feet.
    Coracoacromial Ligament
    Ligament that connects the acromion to the coracoid process.
    Levator Ani
    Pelvic floor muscle responsible for lifting the anus.
    Diaphragm
    Primary muscle for breathing.
    Facial Bones
    Bones forming the structure of the face.
    Inferior Nasal Conchae
    Bones inside the nasal cavity that filter and humidify air.
    Sternum
    Breastbone located in the center of the chest.
    Gliding (Plane) Joints
    e.g., between carpals
    Masseter
    Muscle that elevates the mandible.
    Thoracic Vertebrae (T1 - T12)
    Vertebrae in the upper and mid-back (T1-T12).
    Syndesmoses
    Fibrous joints where bones are connected by ligaments.
    Trapezius
    Muscle responsible for moving, rotating, and stabilizing the scapula.
    Maxillae
    Upper jaw bones that house the teeth and form part of the orbit.
    Flexor Tendons
    Tendons that help flex the fingers and toes.

    Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Knee ligament that stabilizes the joint.

    1. Overview

    The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the key ligaments of the knee joint, providing critical stability during dynamic movements. It connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) and is primarily responsible for preventing anterior translation and excessive rotation of the tibia. The ACL is frequently injured in athletes and active individuals, often requiring surgical intervention and extensive rehabilitation. It plays a crucial role in maintaining joint integrity during running, jumping, pivoting, and decelerating activities.

    2. Location

    The ACL is located within the knee joint capsule, in the center of the knee:

    • Origin: Posteromedial aspect of the lateral femoral condyle.

    • Insertion: Anterior intercondylar area of the tibia, just medial to the tibial eminence.

    • It courses inferiorly, anteriorly, and medially from femur to tibia, crossing with the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) to form an "X" shape.

    The ACL resides intra-articularly but extra-synovially, meaning it is inside the joint capsule but outside the synovial lining.

    3. Structure

    The ACL is a dense, fibrous connective tissue composed mainly of Type I collagen fibers, giving it tensile strength:

    • Length: ~32–38 mm

    • Width: ~7–12 mm

    • Two functional bundles:

      • Anteromedial (AM) bundle: Tight in flexion; controls anterior translation.

      • Posterolateral (PL) bundle: Tight in extension; controls rotational stability.

    • Blood supply: Mainly from the middle genicular artery.

    • Innervation: Provided by branches of the tibial nerve; includes mechanoreceptors for proprioception.

    4. Function

    The ACL provides essential mechanical and dynamic stabilization of the knee:

    • Prevents anterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur, especially during deceleration.

    • Limits internal rotation of the tibia on the femur.

    • Restricts hyperextension and valgus stress in certain positions.

    • Supports joint proprioception, allowing coordinated muscular responses to loading.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    Beyond simple restraint, the ACL contributes to:

    • Dynamic neuromuscular control: Works with hamstrings and quadriceps to maintain functional stability during motion.

    • Proprioceptive feedback: Mechanoreceptors within the ACL detect stretch and position changes, signaling the central nervous system to activate stabilizing muscles.

    • Joint congruency: Maintains optimal alignment of articular surfaces under load-bearing activities.

    • Injury prevention: Acts as a first-line defense against excessive anterior and rotational knee forces in high-impact sports.

    6. Clinical Significance

    ACL injuries are among the most common and debilitating injuries in sports and orthopedic practice:

    • ACL tear/rupture:

      • Usually non-contact, caused by sudden deceleration, pivoting, or landing awkwardly from a jump.

      • Symptoms: Popping sensation, rapid swelling, knee instability, and pain with weight-bearing.

      • Diagnosis: Clinical tests (Lachman test, anterior drawer, pivot shift), MRI for confirmation.

    • ACL reconstruction:

      • Common surgical procedure using autograft (hamstring, patellar tendon) or allograft.

      • Postoperative rehab is extensive—typically 6–12 months before return to high-impact sports.

    • ACL injury risk factors:

      • Female athletes are at higher risk due to anatomical, hormonal, and neuromuscular factors.

      • Other risks: poor landing mechanics, muscle imbalances, weak hip/knee control.

    • Chronic ACL deficiency:

      • Can lead to recurrent instability, meniscal tears, and early-onset osteoarthritis if not addressed properly.

    • Preventive strategies:

      • Neuromuscular training programs to enhance landing, cutting, and jumping mechanics can reduce injury risk.

    Did you know? Your bones are constantly being broken down and rebuilt — you have a new skeleton every 10 years.