MSD Manual

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Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear

    The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can be damaged when the knee is forcefully straightened, when the knee is hit from the side, or when the leg is pushed from the inside.

    The ACL connects the thighbone (femur) at the back of the knee joint to the front of the shinbone (tibia). The ACL crosses in front of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) to form an X.