What are some general characteristics of anterior cruciate ligament deficiency?
What are its usual manifestations? A knee without an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a potentially unstable knee. The ACL is a primary resistor to anterior translation of the tibia on the femur (it is a tether to limit forward slipping of the tibia at the knee). The action of the ACL is typically noticed during running and cutting activities (running with sudden changes of direction), while descending stairs, and often during simple activities of daily living. Individuals with ACL deficient knees may have the feeling of giving-way (buckling or collapsing from pain or weakness) or instability during sports or activities of daily living. These episodes may be painful and may produce or exacerbate other injuries in the knee, such as meniscal tears (rips or rents in the “C”-shaped cartilage bumper between the femur and the tibia). Swelling is commonly noted after such giving way episodes. Lateral joint line pain and tenderness are often seen in the ACL deficient knee.What are the diffe
