Ligaments are rope like structures that connect one bone to another. Their purpose is to provide stability for joints as they move.Ligaments can be sprained (a partial tear) or they can be completely ruptured (a complete tear). Common knee ligament injuries occur after ski injuries and sports injuries.The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a ligament connecting the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (leg bone). This is a strong ligament on the inside of the knee that is commonly injured in twisting injuries.
Medial Collateral-Ligament (MCL) Injury
MCL Injury on MRI
Patella Dislocation with Cartilage and MPF Ligament Injury
Crucuate Injury on MRI
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) also connects the femur and the tibia along with the posterior cruciate ligament. The two cruciate ligaments are deep in the knee and cross each other. The anterior cruciate ligament is the more commonly injured of the two cruciate ligaments. It is often injured in ski injuries and sports injuries from a twisting force applied to the knee.