Ligament Tears

Ligament tears are injuries to the ligaments, which are strong bands of tissue that connect bones together in the body. These tears can occur in various joints, such as the knees, shoulders, ankles, wrists, and thumbs. The injury is typically characterized by pain, swelling, bruising, and tenderness, with the severity varying based on the extent of the tear.

Types of Ligament Tears

Normal

Grade 1

Stretching & small tears

Grade 2

Large tear

Grade 3

Complete rupture

Causes of Ligament Tears

Sudden twisting or overstretching of the joint.
Direct impact or trauma to the joint.
Repetitive strain due to overuse.
Age-related degeneration of ligaments, especially in older individuals.
Poor muscle support or joint instability.

Symptoms of Ligament Tears

Sharp pain at the site of injury.
Swelling and bruising around the joint.
Joint instability or a feeling of “giving out.”
Restricted range of motion in the affected joint.
Popping sound during the injury.
Difficulty moving the affected joint.

Limitations of Medication Therapy

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction: A surgery to repair the torn ACL in the knee.
Risks: Prolonged joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, especially during movements like crouching or stretching.

Ligament Augmentation and Reconstruction System (LARS): A synthetic graft used to repair ACL, PCL, knee extensors, ankle ligaments, and shoulder/hip tendons.
Risks: Potential allergic reactions to synthetic materials, graft failure or rupture, and infection at the surgical site.