Ligament injuries

Question 1

What are ligaments?

Answer 1

Dense bands of collagenous tissue that span a joint and are anchored to bone at either end.
They provide joint stability through range of motion.

Question 2

What is the structure of ligaments?

Answer 2

Collagen fibres type 1.
Fibroblasts
Sensory fibres
Vessels
Crimping to allow stretch

Question 3

How does ligament structure differ from tendons?

Answer 3

Ligaments have a lower % of collagen but a higher percentage of proteoglycans and water.
Ligaments have less organised collagen fibres ad rounder fibroblasts.

Question 4

What are different stages of healing within a ligament?

Answer 4

Haemorrhage - blood clot forms which is then reabsorbed and replaced with heavy cellular infiltrate.

Proliferative phase involves the production of scar tissue and disorganised collagenous connective tissue.

Remodelling - matrix becomes more ligament like however major differences in composition and architecture and function persist.

Question 5

What are some treatment options for ligament damage?

Answer 5

Conservative - Rest, elevation, ice/heat packs, compression.

Operative indicated if instability present or there is multiple tears.