Knee ligaments


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Knee ligaments


Ligaments are tough, ropelike fibers that connect one bone to another. The four ligaments of the knee connect the upper leg bone (femur) to the lower leg bone (tibia) and stabilize knee movement.

  • The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament cross inside the center of the knee joint and stabilize front-to-back knee movements.
  • The medial collateral ligament and the lateral collateral ligament connect the leg bones at the sides of the knee and stabilize side-to-side movements.

Credits


Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD

- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD

- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD

- Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

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Last updated: May 25, 2007
Author: Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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