There are four major ligaments in the knee.
The Knee's Crucial Ligaments
The knee joint, a complex structure, relies on several ligaments for stability and proper function. These tough bands of connective tissue connect the thigh bone (femur) to the bones of the lower leg (tibia and fibula). While there are other smaller ligaments and supporting structures, four are considered the major ligaments of the knee:
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL): Prevents the tibia from sliding out in front of the femur.
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL): Prevents the tibia from sliding backward under the femur.
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL): Provides stability to the inner side of the knee.
- Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL): Provides stability to the outer side of the knee.
Injuries to these ligaments, often resulting from sudden twisting or forceful impacts, are common, particularly among athletes. Understanding their roles is crucial for diagnosis and treatment of knee injuries.
The provided reference explicitly states: "There are four major ligaments in the knee: ACL, PCL, MCL and LCL."
