Which ligament is most frequently injured in the knee?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most frequently injured ligament in the knee. This ligament plays a critical role in stabilizing the knee, particularly in activities that involve sudden stops, changes in direction, or jumping, which are common in sports.

Injuries to the ACL often occur during activities that require rapid deceleration or pivoting motions, making it more susceptible to injury compared to other ligaments. This is further exacerbated by the fact that the ACL does not have a strong blood supply, which can impact healing and recovery.

Understanding the biomechanical functions of the ACL helps to clarify why it is more commonly injured. It helps to control the forward movement of the tibia relative to the femur and provides stability to the knee during various dynamic activities. The combination of the ligament's position within the joint, its mechanical properties, and the common patterns of knee movement during sports contribute to its higher incidence of injury compared to the posterior cruciate ligament, lateral collateral ligament, or medial collateral ligament.