Orthopedics-Online

Duration of a torn ligament

definition

As tape (Latin: Ligament) are connective tissue structures that connect bones to one another in medicine. The bones involved here give the corresponding ligament its name. For example, the ligament that connects the shin (Tibia) and the fibula (Fibula) connects with each other, "Tibiofibular ligament". The ligaments are often localized on joints, where they primarily serve to stabilize the joint and limit its movement to the extent intended. The ligaments are only stretchable to a very limited extent and can be damaged in the event of overload or trauma stretched become or even tearwhat is called Torn ligament (Rupture) designated. The torn ligament accounts for about 20% of all sports injuries and is therefore a very common disease.

root cause

A ligament rupture is caused by unnatural movements, for example when falling or twisting an ankle. Excessive forces act on the joint and the securing ligament structures, which can injure them and result in a ligament tear. Are often affected Ligaments on the foot, especially on the upper ankle, or the ligaments of the knee. Very often there is a typical one depending on the sport Accident mechanism for a specific band. An example of this is the so-called skier's thumb, which is caused by a fall in which you either cannot get the thumb out of the loop of the ski poles in time or when the thumb is overstretched with the hand when catching the fall so that the corresponding ligament breaks . In addition to non-physiological movement, another cause of a torn ligament can also be one that acts on a joint from the outside trauma as it happens for example with a fouled soccer player.

Symptoms

A torn ligament is mainly caused by very severe ones Pain symptomatic immediately after the trauma. These pains often occur in as well Quiet on, but are especially intensified by movement and are mostly through pressure can be triggered on the affected area. A severe crack occurs within a few minutes of the crack swelling of the joint. Often there is a bruise over the next few hours, caused by rupturing blood vessels under the skin. The swollen and painful area is now turning bluish. Since the stabilizing component at the joint is lost due to the ligament tear, there is, on the one hand, abnormal mobility of the joint, i.e. movements or displacements that would not be possible in a healthy ligamentous apparatus. On the other hand, movements of the affected structures, which in contrast to a bone fracture can still be performed, feel unstable and unsafe.

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diagnosis

After taking the medical history, the doctor will first do a physical exam.

A ligament tear is diagnosed by a doctorwho asks about the symptoms and the underlying cause of the accident in the anamnesis, which is often very specific and thus indicative of the injury to a certain ligament. During the subsequent examination, he pays attention Tenderness the affected area swelling, a bruise and a possibly existing one abnormal mobility. This is followed by an X-ray examination, which is very important to rule out accompanying bony injuries. An MRI scan may also be required (Magnetic resonance imaging) necessary. Either if the X-ray does not provide clear results or in the case of complicated injuries, as in the MRI Soft tissue structures how ligaments can be represented well and neighboring structures such as cartilage can also be assessed. A OR planning respectively.

therapy

The duration of the cure of ligaments is often very long and ligaments are only able to regenerate to a limited extent because they no own Blood supply have and only through diffusion be supplied with nutrients from the surrounding tissue. So they are very poor in metabolism and therefore take a long time to heal. In the past, therefore, an indication for an operation for a ligament rupture was often given generously, but this is not recommended today. An exception to this and therefore an indication for surgery is the tear of the cruciate ligament, as the knee without intact cruciate ligaments can quickly lead to wear and tear of the joint and thus to osteoarthritis due to incorrect loading. It is also used for competitive athletes or for injuries in which several Torn ligaments, had surgery. After an operation, the length of time in which the affected joint must be protected and immobilized is approximately four to six weeks.

Only after this time, in which the wound has healed, can you begin again with gradual and careful loading and movement of the joint. If there is no need for surgery, the ligament will tear conservative provided. The important thing here is Protection and Avoidance of stress on the affected joint. This can be done with the help of a Stability rail, a so-called Orthosiscan be achieved. This orthosis needs to last for approximately six weeks be worn consistently day and night and should stabilize the joint by taking on the stabilizing function of the torn ligament to such an extent that the ligament can heal and grow back together without additional stress. In contrast to the plaster the joint can still use an orthosis emotional so that everyday life is not very restricted. Sometimes so called Tapes are used, i.e. tapes stuck to the skin that are supposed to perform the same function as an orthosis. The acute Pain can be relieved by giving painkillers. One can often help against the swelling and bruising cooling the position combined with Elevation of the joint. Also can decongestant ointments which can shorten the time it takes for the swelling to completely disappear. Depending on the type of ligament rupture, supportive physiotherapy can be useful to prevent the Muscle breakdown to counteract that comes about through the splint and the resulting lack of exercise. The lack of ligament stabilization can also be partially compensated for by strengthening the muscular system.

Duration and forecast

With earlier and more consistent Therapy usually heals a torn ligament without consequences. However, complete healing takes time. The stabilizing splint needs to be approximately six weeks be worn consistently day and night for a long time. The complete coalescence of the ligaments and thus the healing can, depending on the affected ligament, between six weeks (Outer band at the ankle) and six months (Cruciate ligament on the knee) persist. Only then can you slowly load the ligaments again and gradually get used to the strain. The time until the ligaments have fully regained their functionality and resilience and thus their suitability for everyday use, which is comparable to the condition before the ligament rupture, is much longer than the specified duration of six weeks to six months. In contrast to complete healing, the Pain mostly considerable shorter on. Through measures like Cool and if necessary taking painkillers, these should go away within a few days after the ligament rupture. On average, the swelling and bruising gradually go away after one to two weeks after the tear.

prophylaxis

A torn ligament can be prevented in a certain way through good training of the muscles, since trained muscles have the stabilizing role of the ligaments support and thus can dampen the forces affecting joints and ligaments. If a patient has already had a torn ligament, he can prophylactic in sporting activities through special Bandages contribute to additional joint stabilization. Balance and coordination exercises also help to train the muscles and balance and thus prevent accidents.