What is the most likely explanation for knee pain accompanied by a popping sound after landing from a jump shot?

Knee pain accompanied by a popping sound after landing from a jump shot is most commonly associated with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. The ACL plays a critical role in stabilizing the knee, particularly during activities that involve sudden stops, jumps, or changes in direction. When the ACL is torn, individuals often report a distinctive popping sound or sensation at the moment of injury, followed by immediate pain and swelling.

This situation is typical in sports that require jumping and rapid pivoting, where improper landing techniques or excessive forces can compromise the integrity of the knee joint. The sudden onset of pain, along with the audible pop, aligns with the mechanics of an ACL injury, as the ligament can be overstretched or completely ruptured during such movements. Immediate assessment and imaging studies are generally recommended to confirm the extent of the injury and guide treatment.

While meniscus tears and other ligament injuries may also cause similar symptoms, they do not typically present with the combination of immediate pain and a loud pop as distinctly as an ACL tear does. Patellar tendonitis, on the other hand, generally involves pain with more gradual onset related to overuse rather than a sudden traumatic event.