Ligament injury

What are ligament injuries? 

To move around and perform both large and fine movements, humans have numerous joints. These joints transmit force but are not stable enough by themselves to carry out movements in a straight line. Therefore, the joints must be stabilized and guided by tight capsules, ligaments and muscles.

Ligaments are made of dense connective tissue and connect two bones that are involved in the joint. These ligaments are designed to withstand heavy strain. Despite this, ligament injuries can still occur and require treatment by specialists in trauma surgery.

What are causes for ligament injuries? 

Ligament injuries can take on different levels of severity. They range from minor strains to complete ligament ruptures.

The causes of reversible or irreversible damage to the ligaments lie in overloading or incorrect loading of the joints and ligaments. Minor fiber tears in the ligaments (similar to a sprain) usually do not result in visible damage Nevertheless, the enormous energy involved in sports accidents or high impact trauma can lead to complete ligament rupture with bone fracture.

Trauma surgery specialists differentiate between three degrees of ligament injuries:

• Grade I is a reversible overstretching of the ligaments (elongation).

• Grade II involves multiple micro-injuries with partial interruption of fiber continuity (partial rupture).

• Grade III is complete ligament rupture.

What are the symptoms of ligament injuries?

Ligament injuries are generally accompanied with swelling, redness and excessive warmth in the joint.

There may also be pain on contact and movement. A joint effusion can often be felt, and a bruise (hematoma) may be visible in the area of the joint.

In some cases, ligament injuries are also associated with restricted movement. A torn ligament can also lead to movements that are not otherwise possible (abnormal range of motion).

What are the diagnostic procedures for a ligament injury?

At the beginning, the specialist in trauma surgery will take a comprehensive medical history. They will ask questions regarding the cause of the accident, the nature and duration of the symptoms and any previous relevant medical history.

Then the trauma surgeon will examine the areas involved and perform different mobility tests.

Imaging techniques like MRI and X-rays can support the diagnostic procedure. It is important to rule out a bone fracture. If these examinations do not provide a definitive diagnosis, a joint endoscopy (arthroscopy) can also be performed.

How is a ligament injury treated?

In the case of an acute ligament injury, the priority is to relieve and immobilize the affected joint. Pain treatment and swelling-reducing measures (cooling, ointments) are also used.

Depending on the extent of the ligament injury, the treating specialist in traumatology will decide on the type of treatment.

Conservative treatment may be sufficient for minor ligament injuries of grade I or II.

This involves the use of tape and orthoses that must be worn for up to 6 weeks. Orthoses are medical appliances that serve to relieve, stabilize and support the joint. Light movement should be started as soon as possible (pain-adapted exercise) as immobilization for an excessive time can lead to shortening of the surrounding tendons and muscles and subsequent movement restrictions. The specific movement exercises are supported by accompanying physiotherapy.

If the ligament injury has led to a complete rupture (grade III), the treatment is carried out immediately by performing primary ligament sutures. Where this is not possible or conservative treatment of partial tears is unsuccessful, a secondary ligament repair can be performed by a trauma surgeon. The damaged ligament is usually replaced by a transplant from the patient's own body.

What is the prognosis and course of ligament injury?

Whether it is conservative or surgical treatment, it is important to start the functional training early yet lightly. This will help to ensure long-term treatment success and prevent muscle shortening and tendon shortening due to prolonged inactivity. In most cases, longer physiotherapeutic treatments take place.

In some cases, it is also recommended to apply stabilizing tape during certain sports even after healing to avoid overstraining the joint.

If you have any additional questions regarding special methods and treatment alternatives for ligament injuries, please do not hesitate to contact your traumatology specialist.

Which doctors and clinics specialize in ligament injuries?

Anyone in need of a doctor would expect the best possible medical care for themselves. Therefore, patients are looking for the most suitable clinic for their needs. Since this is not an objective decision and a respectable doctor would refrain from claiming to be the best, patients must trust the experience of a doctor.

We can help you find an appropriate expert for your condition. All the doctors and clinics listed have undergone extensive review and have been verified by us for their outstanding expertise in the field of ligament injuries and are ready to address your questions and treatment requests.