Ligament repair is a term that refers to the treatment of torn or injured ligaments. Ligaments are strong, fibrous rope-like bands that hold the three bones of your knee joint together: the thighbone (femur), shinbone (tibia) and kneecap (patella). There are four primary ligaments that keep your knee bones positioned and functioning properly. Any of them can be seriously injured and require knee ligament repair:

• Collateral ligaments—The medial collateral ligament (MCL ligament) is on the inner side of your knee, and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL ligament) is on the outer side of your knee. Together they control sideway motions and keep your knee within a safe range of motion. The MCL ligament is one the most frequently injured ligaments that can require knee ligament repair.
• Cruciate ligaments—These two ligaments inside your knee joint cross one another forming an "X." The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL ligament) crosses in front, while the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL ligament) crosses in back. An ACL ligament injury is a common cause of disability in the knee. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) reports that 95,000 people (more women than men) get ACL injuries every year.