What is the ACL?
The anterior cruciate ligament, more commonly known as the ACL, is crucial for proper knee function. A healthy and properly working ACL allows for flexion, extension, and stability. The ACL is a ligament of the knee that is composed of two bundles that are separated by the bifurcate ridge. These two ACL bundles work together and help to create a functioning knee. The ligament itself is composed of collagenous fibers and connective tissues creating a band. It is located towards the front and middle of the knee. More specifically, one end of the ACL band is attached to the “anteromedial aspect of the intercondylar region of the tibial plateau and extends posterolaterally to attach to the medial aspect of the lateral femoral condyle” (National Library of Medicine). The ACL usually measures from around 27-38 millimeters long and 7-12 millimeters wide when fully developed. The ACL covers a large portion of the knee and crosses with the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), creating an X shape in the knee. The PCL and ACL, essentially, stabilize the knee completely.
