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Cruciate ligament injuries, particularly affecting the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), are among the most common knee injuries, especially in athletes. The cruciate ligaments are two bands of tissue that cross inside the knee joint, connecting the thighbone to the shinbone and providing stability during movement.
ACL injuries typically occur during sports that involve sudden stops, jumps, or direction changes—such as basketball, soccer, and skiing. Common causes include landing awkwardly from a jump, sudden deceleration, direct collision, or pivoting with a planted foot. Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries are less common and usually result from direct impact to the front of the knee.
Diagnosis begins with a physical examination where doctors assess knee stability, swelling, and range of motion. The Lachman test and anterior drawer test help evaluate ACL integrity. Imaging studies, particularly MRI scans, confirm the diagnosis and reveal the extent of damage to surrounding structures like menisci and other ligaments.
Treatment depends on injury severity, patient activity level, and age. Conservative treatment includes rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles, and bracing for support. Many partial tears heal with non-surgical management.
Surgical reconstruction is often recommended for complete tears, especially in active individuals and athletes. The procedure involves replacing the torn ligament with a graft, typically from the patient's own tissue. Post-surgery rehabilitation takes six to nine months and focuses on regaining strength, stability, and function. With proper treatment and rehabilitation, most patients return to their previous activity levels.

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