Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
Disease Information
Overview
What is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four main ligaments in the knee. Its job is to provide stability to the knee and minimize stress across the knee joint.
ACL injuries usually occur while an athlete is playing sports that involve cutting and pivoting like soccer, skiing, basketball, gymnastics, volleyball and football. And while a torn ACL was once an injury exclusive to athletes, with today’s active lifestyles it’s becoming more common in any age group and at various activity levels.
An injury to your child’s ACL may require reconstruction surgery, followed by an intensive rehabilitation program for a healthy return to her high activity levels.
With appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, most patients who undergo ACL reconstruction surgery can return to full sports participation within six months.
ACL injury: Reviewed by Martha Murray, MD
© Children’s Hospital Boston, 2012
#1 ranked pediatric hospital in the nation. Learn more
Join our boston.com #safesports Twitter chat with Dr. O'Brien, Mon., Sept. 24, at noon!
Children's Mininder Kocher, MD, MPH on ABC World News!
ABC World News with Diane Sawyer reports on ACL tears in young children and how the serious injury is becoming increasingly common at a younger age. Children’s Mininder Kocher, MD, MPH, explains the injury and 8-year-old Children’s patient, Caleb Seymour, and his parents talk about his experience tearing his ACL playing football. Read More!
Related conditions and treatments:
Clinical Services
