Ligament Injuries Flashcards
1
Q
What are ligaments
A
Dense bands of collagenous tissue which span a joint. They are anchored to the bone at either end. They give the joint stability through range of motion.
2
Q
Structure of Ligaments
A
Collagen fibres (type 1) Fibroblasts (communicate) Sensory fibres Proprioception Stretch Sensory Vessels (surface) Crimping (allow stretch)
3
Q
Ligaments Vs Tendons
A
Lower percentage of collagen
Higher percentage of proteoglycans and water
Less organised collagen fibres
Rounder Fibroblasts
4
Q
Healing of Ligaments
A
Haemorrhage Blood clot resorbed Replaced with a heavy cellular infiltrate. hypertrophic vascular response
Proliferative phase
production of “scar tissue“
disorganised collagenous connective tissue
Remodelling.
Matrix becomes more ligament like
Major differences in composition, architecture and function persist.
5
Q
Treatment of Ligament Injuries
A
Conservative
Partial
No instability
Poor candidate surgery
Operative
Instability
Expectation (sportsmen)
Compulsory (multiple
