2. Introduction
• As a privately practicing orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Alan
Binkley draws on an in-depth knowledge of anterior
cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Also possessed of
bachelor's degrees in physical education and physical
therapy, Dr. Alan Binkley has treated many such injuries
in athletes.
Located in the middle of the knee, the anterior cruciate
ligament (ACL) connects the femur to the tibia and thus
helps to keep the knee stable. Injuries to this ligament
occur when the two connected bones rotate in opposing
directions under the weight of the body. This can result
in a gap in the center of the ligament or a detaching of
the ligament's edge from the thigh bone.
3. ACL Injury
• Such injuries commonly occur when a patient slows
quickly to turn or turns on the spot with the foot
planted, though an imbalanced land from a jump
may also cause a similar twisting of the bone. These
movements, and the subsequent ACL tears, are
common to basketball, soccer, and football players
as well as skiers. Women are more susceptible to
such tears than men, as the hamstrings at the back
of the thigh are weaker than the quadriceps in front.
This imbalance leaves the shinbone vulnerable to
sliding in forward, which stresses the ACL and
leaves it vulnerable to injury.
