Ligament tears are caused by strong twisting motions, direct trauma, or overstretching of a joint. They are common in knees and ankles, and sports-related injuries are the leading cause. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the joint. Treatment may involve rest, pain relief, or surgery.
A ligament tear is a major tear in a soft band of tissue that connects bones. Most tears are caused by strong twisting motions or a sudden overstretching of a joint, but a severe cut or direct trauma to a ligament near the skin can also cause a tear. Most ligaments in the body are very strong, and even serious injuries don’t always cause tears. It is essential, however, to visit a doctor or emergency room after a serious accident to determine the severity of the tissue damage and receive the appropriate treatment.
There are hundreds of ligaments in the body and most of them are very well protected by bone and layers of fat, muscle and cartilage. The most common sites for ligament ruptures are the knees and ankles, as they are relatively unshielded and are the most prone to jarring body movements. A person may also experience a ligament tear in the wrist, elbow, shoulder, or neck. Sports-related injuries are the leading cause of tears, but falls, car accidents, and industrial accidents can also cause serious damage to ligaments.
When a person experiences a ligament tear, the pain is immediately apparent and often excruciating. When a ligament is torn from its bone, a distinct popping or tearing sound may be heard. The injured joint tends to swell and turn red within minutes, and it may be impossible to bend or straighten it. The swelling can persist for days, and the overlying skin usually bruises and discolors over time. When signs of a potential ligament tear are present, a person should keep the joint immobilized and avoid putting weight on it until they can get to the hospital.
In the emergency room, nurses and doctors can provide pain medication and prepare the injured body part for x-ray studies. X-rays, computed tomography screens, and MRI scans are done to identify the exact location and severity of a rupture. If the ligament is only slightly torn or strained, your doctor may simply advise you to rest for about a month, cool the joint, and take pain relievers. Major ligament tears are unlikely to heal on their own, and surgery is almost always necessary.
When a patient needs to undergo surgery, they are usually admitted to the hospital and given a large dose of anesthesia. An orthopedic surgeon can suture the damaged ligament and determine whether or not it can be reattached with metal screws and hinges. An unrecoverable ligament is often replaced with a cadaveric donor. If the surrounding cartilage tissue, tendons, or bones are also damaged, additional surgery may be required. After surgery, several months of rest and guided physical therapy help most people experience near-full recoveries.
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