Question

What will happen if ligaments are torn?

Answer 1

Hint: Ligaments are short bands of tough, flexible, connective tissues made up of lots of individual fibres. They connect the bones of the body together. Human body contains approximately 900 ligaments. The collagen fibres are the basic building block of a ligament; these fibres are very flexible, strong and resistant to damage from stresses. Collagen fibres are arranged in parallel bundles; this arrangement multiplies the strength of the individual fibres.

Complete answer:
The ligaments vary in size, shape, location and orientation. Ligaments are bands of tough elastic tissue around your joints. They connect bone to bone. A vascular layer, “epi-ligament”, is distinguishable from the actual ligament. Ligaments are much more complex, composed of fibroblast cells which are surrounded by a matrix. Fibroblasts are comparatively fewer in number and they are responsible for Matrix synthesis.
Biochemically, ligaments are two-third water and one third solid. Water contributes to cellular function and viscoelastic behavior. Solid components are typically type 1 collagen contributing to 75% of dry weight with the balance being made up by elastin, glycoproteins and other proteins.
A ligament is torn if a joint becomes over-stretched or twisted. ligaments can have partial or complete tear. A partial tear may feel like a severe strain while a complete tear can be as painful as a broken bone. When a ligament is torn, movement will be impaired resulting in looseness in the joint or being unable to move the joint normally.
Ultrastructural studies show that collagen fibres are actually composed of smaller fibrils. Cross-linking of collagen fibres is the critical step. It gives collagen fibres incredible strength. During growth and development, cross-linking is immature and soluble but with age they mature and become insoluble and increase in length.

Note:
Some symptoms of torn ligaments are: Popping, snapping and a crackling sound can be heard at the time of injury. A ligament tear is painful. Pain doesn’t improve within 24 to 72 hours. Swelling that doesn’t lessen within 24 to 72 hours. Bruising. Inability to bear weight on joints. One may also experience muscle spasm. Joint movement may become difficult. Ankles and knees are the most commonly injured ligaments. A torn ligament of the ankle is the result of a joint twist (stretch, tear, or a complete rupture) of the ligament that joins the bones of the ankle. A torn ligament of the knee is the result of a sudden twisting motion (anterior cruciate ligament) or a direct impact on the site (posterior cruciate ligament) as the result of an accident or a football tackle.