What are Cruciate Ligaments?
Cruciate ligaments are ligaments in a joint that cross each other, forming an X-shape. In the human body, examples can be found in the neck, the knee, and the foot. Many animals also have cruciate ligaments in some key joints of their bodies. One of the most common medical issues involving a cruciate ligament is a tear, where strain causes the fibers in the ligament to separate. Tears are usually very painful, and they limit range of motion for the patient until they can be addressed, typically with surgery to repair the torn ligament.
