The anterior cruciate ligament (Ligamentum cruciatum anterius) connects thighbones (Femur) and shin (Tibia).
As part of the ligamentous apparatus of the knee, it serves to stabilize the knee joint (Articulatio genus). Like the ligament structures of all joints, the anterior cruciate ligament consists mainly of collagen fibers, i.e. connective tissue.
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The front one Cruciate ligament belongs to the holding apparatus of the knee joint, but actually lies outside the articular surface of the knee.
It is separated from the joint cavity by a mucous membrane sac. The anterior cruciate ligament pulls from the side Knotty of the Thighbone (Lateral condyle) from the back / top / outside to the front surface of the elevation in the middle of the tibia plateau, i.e. to the front / bottom / inside. It runs in exactly the opposite direction to the posterior cruciate ligament, which increases stability.
Since the articular surface (the condyles) of the thigh bone significantly larger than the joint surface (Tibial plateau) of the tibia, the knee joint needs strong ligament stabilization.
The Cruciate ligaments serve as a passive guide during the movements of the knee joint and limit the extension in the knee joint.
The anterior cruciate ligament is the second strongest band in the Knee joint after the posterior cruciate ligament. It prevents the tibia from sliding forward. In addition, the anterior cruciate ligament makes rotation in the knee more difficult. In all positions of the knee joint, at least parts of the cruciate ligaments are tightened. This makes their important function in stabilizing the knee joint clear.
A cruciate ligament tear (cruciate ligament rupture) of the anterior cruciate ligament often arises from a Twisting the knee and is a typical sports injury in soccer and skiing. This injury goes with pain and Knee joint effusion This results in instability of the knee joint, especially forwards.
This instability shows up impressively in the so-called rupture „Drawer phenomenon“: With the leg bent and the thigh fixed, the lower leg can be pulled forward like a drawer.
Read everything about this topic at: anterior cruciate ligament tear
