Two knee surgeons in Belgium say they have identified a ligament in the human knee that could play a part in one of the most common sports injuries worldwide – the anterior cruciate ligament tear.

An injury to the anterior cruciate ligament is typical in people who pivot during sport – from athletes and basketball players and footballers and skiers.

A tear can happen when you change direction rapidly or stop suddenly and causes pain, swelling and reduced movement in the knee.

its structure and purpose have been so clearly established, although experts say more studies are needed to prove its relevance to knee surgery.

In 1879, the French surgeon Segond described the existence of a ‘pearly, resistant, fibrous band’ at the anterolateral aspect of the human knee, but this is the first time its structure and purpose have been so clearly established, although experts say more studies are needed to prove its relevance to knee surgery.

Source: Journal of Anatomy