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[Conditions](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/) · [Knee](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/)

# ACL Tear

An ACL tear is a partial or complete tear of the [anterior cruciate ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/anterior-cruciate-ligament/) inside the knee, usually from a sudden stop, pivot or bad landing.

Updated 2026-10-23

## Structures involved

Tap one to see what it is and open it in 3D.

- [ACL](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/anterior-cruciate-ligament/)
- [Medial meniscus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/medial-meniscus/)
- [MCL](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tibial-collateral-ligament/)

## In the clinical exam

- [Lachman test and anterior drawer](https://durgical.com/en/clinical-exam/lachman-test-and-anterior-drawer/)
- [Knee effusion: patellar tap and bulge sign](https://durgical.com/en/clinical-exam/knee-effusion-patellar-tap-and-bulge-sign/)

## Why it happens

- [Connective tissue proper: cells and fibres](https://durgical.com/en/histology/connective-tissue-proper-cells-and-fibres/)
- [Synovial joints: capsule, synovial membrane and articular cartilage](https://durgical.com/en/histology/synovial-joints-capsule-synovial-membrane-and-articular-cartilage/)

## What it is

Partial or complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, usually from a sudden stop, pivot or awkward landing.

## Causes

- Sudden deceleration or change of direction
- Landing from a jump
- Often occurs with meniscus or MCL injury

## Classification

- Partial tear
- Complete tear

## Symptoms and signs

- A pop at the moment of injury
- Swelling that develops within hours
- Feeling of the knee giving way or instability
- Difficulty pivoting or cutting

## Diagnosis

**Clinical**
Lachman test, anterior drawer, pivot-shift test

**Imaging**
MRI confirms the tear and checks other structures; X-ray rules out fracture

## Treatment

**Rehabilitation**
Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles, activity changes, and sometimes a brace.

**Surgical**
ACL reconstruction with a tendon graft.

## Related conditions

- [Meniscus Tear](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/meniscus-tear/)

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Sources: [Anterior Cruciate Ligament Knee Injury](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499848/) (StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), 2024).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/conditions/acl-tear/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/conditions/acl-tear/