The ligament may be completely torn, partially torn, or avulsed from its origin or insertion.

ACL injuries can cause instability in the knee

Damage to the ACL is more common then PCL

• 70% of all traumatic haemarthrosis in the knee are caused by ACL injury

Risk factors:

• Acute trauma - acute non-contact deceleration injury, forceful hyperextension, or excessive rotational forces
• Female
• Poor technique for landing
• Hx of ACL injuries
• Uneven/rough playing surface

PC

ACL is typically damaged during a twisting injury to the knee, it causes:

• Pain
• Rapid swelling
• Audible pop
• Sensation of knee instability

On examination:

• Tender over lateral femoral condyles, lateral tibial plateau and knee joint lines
• Positive anterior draw test/Lachman test - tibia moves forward an excessive distance, no clear end point to the movement