Ligaments in the Knee
The ligaments are the tough bands of tissue that connect your thigh bone to your lower leg bones, hold your bones together, support each side of the knee, and keep the knee stable. Knee ligament sprains and tears are common sports injuries. Ligament injuries can cause significant pain and may require medical attention and surgical intervention. If you have injured your knee or ligaments that attach to the knee, it may be beneficial to visit a doctor. A knee joint doctor in Pottstown, PA from a doctor’s office like the Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania may be able to assist you.
The four main ligaments in the knee that link the thigh bone (femur) to the lower leg bones include the following:
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This ligament that connects the thigh bone to the shin is the most commonly injured knee ligament. It is located in the center of the knee and controls rotation and forward movement of the shin bone (tibia).
The ACL is the ligament that is most commonly injured. It is often stretched, torn, or both during a sudden twisting motion, such as when the feet stay in place, but the knees turn another way. Basketball, football, and skiing are examples of athletics that have a high risk of ACL injuries.
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). This ligament also links the thigh bone and the shin bone in the knee. It’s an injury that often happens in car accidents. Also located in the center of the knee, it controls the backward movement of the tibia.
The PCL is another frequently injured knee ligament. PCL injury typically happens when the knee is subject to sudden, direct impact, like in a car collision or during a football tackle.
Lateral collateral ligament (LCL). This ligament links the thigh bone to the fibula, the smaller bone outer bone of the lower leg. This LCL ligament provides stability for the outer knee.
Medial collateral ligament (MCL). This band of tissue connects the thigh bone to the shin bone on the inside of the knee. It helps to provide stability for the inner knee.
The MCL is typically injured more frequently than the LCL. Stretching and tearing injuries to these collateral ligaments usually result from a blow to the outer side of the knee, an event that is common in hockey or football.