An ACL or anterior ligament tear happens when a complete or partial rupture happens to this ligament. This injury usually requires surgery as the ligament is unable to recover on its own.
A torn ACL is particularly common in sports either from impact or activity. Movements like pivoting and cutting can contribute to this injury. Other knee ligaments or cartilage may also become injured.
The ACL constitutes one of four main knee-joint ligaments and helps the knee rotate stably.
An ACL injury can be classified according to three grades, depending on if ligament fibers are stretched or torn. A Grade 3 injury refers to the most severe injury.
An examination by a doctor can diagnose the injury and an MRI can be used as well and to check for associated injuries in the knee.
Reviewed by Dr. Gurpal Singh, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, Centre for Orthopaedics and Hip and Knee Surgery
