Learn more about anterior cruciate ligament injuries

What is the anterior cruciate ligament?


The anterior cruciate ligament, or more commonly known ACL, is 1 of 4 key ligaments in the knee. Ligaments connect bones together so the ACL connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). It crosses in the centre of the knee joint (shown in orange in the image to the right) and is the most commonly injured knee ligament.

What happens when you injure your anterior cruciate ligament?

Injury diagnosed

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are diagnosed through clinical examination and often an MRI scan.

Listed for surgery

In the UK, most patients are listed for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery.


There are approximately 14,000 surgeries performed in England every year.

Wait for surgery

The wait for surgery is lengthy. Before COVID-19, waiting times in the NHS were between 4 and 12 months. This has increased as a result of the pandemic due to the cancellation of elective procedures.

Surgery

This is often completed as a day-case procedure. 

Post-operative rehabilitation

Rehabilitation after surgery can extend up-to and beyond 1 year.

Return to pre-injury activity levels

At 1-year post-surgery, less than 30% of patients have returned to their preinjury levels of physical activity . 

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