- Discussion:
    - because failure of ACL occurs first by plastic deformation w/ loss of collagen cross-linking, rupture usually occurs as single fiber-mass 
           failure rather than sequential fiber failure;
    - this probably explains why partial ACL injury is less common than complete rupture;
    - subclinical partial ACL rupture involving a subsynovial rupture w/ absent or small hemarthrosis may be more common than is generally recognized

Partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament. Progression to complete ligament deficiency.

The late course of acute partial anterior cruciate ligament tears. A nine to 15-year follow-up evaluation.

The natural history of conservatively treated partial anterior cruciate ligament tears.

Intraarticular Rupture Pattern of the ACL

Biomechanical Analysis of Knee Laxity With Isolated Anteromedial or Posterolateral Bundle–Deficient Anterior Cruciate Ligament