The anterior cruciate ligament (or ACL) is one of the important ligaments that stabilises your knee.
If you have torn (ruptured) this ligament, your knee can collapse or 'give way' when making twisting or turning movements. This may interfere with sports or even everyday activities.
How does an ACL rupture happen?
An ACL rupture happens as a result of a twisting injury to your knee. The common causes are conact sports and skiiing injuries. At first, your knee fills with blood and can be swollen and painful but this settles with time. You can injure other parts of your knee at the same time, such as tearing a cartilage (menicus) or damaging the joint surface.
Some people with an ACL rupture get back good function in their knee with the help of exercises and physiotherapy. If your knee continues to give way, your surgeon may recommend ACL reconstruction.
What are the benefits of surgery?
Your knee should not give way anymore. This will allow you to be more active and you may be able to return to some of your sporting activities.