Anterior cruciate ligament anatomy

ACL is attached to a depression on the posteromedial surface of the lateral condyle of femur. On the tibia it inserts into a fossa that is anterior and lateral to the anterior tibial spine. The tibial attachment is known to be stronger than the femoral attachment.

The ACL is intracapsular but is extrasynovial. Its course is anterior, medial, and distal from the femur to the tibia. Close your eyes and imagine this course. It will help you understand the mechanism of injury.

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament has 2 bands - the anteromedial band and the posterolateral band. During flexion when the back of the leg comes closer to the back of the thigh, the anterior band is taught. When the leg is straightened posterolateral band is tight.