The
Physics
of an ACL tear
The figure below shows a picture of the knee joint with the ACL visible, and has the components of the tension force of the ligament broken down into X and Y components. The ligament forces are in green. The forces in Red are the forces that would have to occur in opposition to and in excess of the ligament forces in order for ligament failure to occur.
The figure above gives a better view of what is meant by "valgus" position and force. In addition to that it shows the how rotational forces can cause ACL failure.
The figure below shows a picture of the knee joint with the ACL visible, and has the components of the tension force of the ligament broken down into X and Y components. The ligament forces are in green. The forces in Red are the forces that would have to occur in opposition to and in excess of the ligament forces in order for ligament failure to occur.
The figure above gives a better view of what is meant by "valgus" position and force. In addition to that it shows the how rotational forces can cause ACL failure.
Title Page
The Physics of an ACL
tear