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Stanford Health Care

Types of Knee Ligaments

Ligaments in the Knee

The four main ligaments in the knee connect the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shin bone), and include the following:

  • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) - The ligament, located in the center of the knee, that controls rotation and forward movement of the tibia (shin bone).
  • Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) - The ligament, located in the center of the knee, that controls backward movement of the tibia (shin bone).
  • Medial collateral ligament (MCL) - The ligament that gives stability to the inner knee.
  • Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) - The ligament that gives stability to the outer knee.

Clinics for Types