What is the primary ligament injured in an ACL tear?

In the case of an ACL tear, the primary ligament involved is the anterior cruciate ligament itself, which is crucial for stabilizing the knee. The ACL is located in the center of the knee joint and plays a key role in preventing excessive forward movement of the tibia relative to the femur, as well as controlling rotational stability. When an ACL tear occurs, it typically results from activities that involve sudden stops, changes in direction, or awkward landings, which place significant strain on the ligament.

Understanding the functional importance of the ACL helps clarify why its injury is significant—it is one of the main stabilizers of the knee. This injury often leads to instability, swelling, and can require surgical intervention depending on the severity. Recognizing that an ACL tear involves damage specifically to the anterior cruciate ligament is essential for appropriate treatment and rehabilitation strategies. The other ligaments mentioned, such as the posterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament, and lateral collateral ligament, play different roles in knee stability but are not the primary ligaments affected in this specific injury.