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Cruciate ligaments |
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There are two cruciate
ligaments located in the center of the knee joint. The anterior cruciate ligament
(ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) are the major stabilizing ligaments
of the knee. In figure 4, on the lateral view, the posterior cruciate ligament prevents
the femur from sliding forward on the tibia (or the tibia from sliding backwards
on the femur). In the medial view, the anterior cruciate liagement prevents the
femur from sliding backwards on the tibia (or the tibia sliding forwards on the
femur). Most importantly, both of these ligaments stabilize the knee in a rotational
fashion. Thus, if one of these ligaments is significantly damaged, the knee will
be unstable when planting the foot of the injured extremity and pivoting, causing
the knee to buckle and give way. |
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