The Knee

Knee Ligaments

The knee ligaments are condensations of fibrous connective tissue forming straps or cords that connect the bones on either side of the knee joint and control its motion. The knee ligaments are composed mainly of fine collagen fibres but also contain a few cells and free nerve endings. There are two main groups of ligaments controlling knee joint motion, the cruciate ligaments lie deep within the knee joint and crossing in its centre, the collateral ligaments lie within or close to the knee joint capsule and run down the inside and outsides of the knee joint. The anterior cruciate ligament operates close to its failure strength during sporting activities, protected only by the co-ordinating movement of the many muscles and tendons that cross the joint and making it uniquely vulnerable to injury.