ACL tears

Athlete's dreaded injury

ACL tears are injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament, one of the major stabilizing ligaments in the knee.

The ACL connects the thighbone to the shinbone and prevents the knee from shifting forward or rotating excessively.

Tears typically occur during sudden stops, pivots, or awkward landings—common in basketball, soccer, and skiing.

She tore her ACL and was out for the season.

Treatment ranges from physical therapy to surgical reconstruction, depending on severity and activity level.

Related
  • kneeLeg's middle hinge
  • ligamentConnective tissue between bones
  • injuryPhysical or psychological harm
  • surgeryInvasive medical procedure
  • rehabAddiction treatment program

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injury severity

ACL tearsmuscle soreness

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muscle tightness

joint structural integrity

ACL tearsstructural integrity

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