Ligaments are tough, rubbery bands of tissue that attach the bones at the joint to enable movement within a limited range of motion. Naturally viscoelastic, ligaments can expand to lengths as you stretch your arms or legs but then return to their original place when motion desists. A ligament tear is either partial or complete; a partial tear can be just as painful as a muscle strain, whereas a total tear is as painful as a fractured bone. While a torn ligament is a common sports injury, it can occur on the job if your work is physically strenuous.

Signs of a torn ligament include:

• Snapping of the joint after sustaining an injury
• Pain that does not dissipate over a few days
• Continuous swelling over 24-72 hours
• Limited range of motion
• Limited range of motion

Ligaments of the ankle and knee are most susceptible to damage when twisting the joint, which can occur due to an accident or sports injury. Ligaments of the shoulder and wrist are additional related joints that are prone to tears as a result of sports injuries, falls or acute trauma.

Diagnosing a ligament tear involves a physical exam of the injured site as well as testing your mobility and flexibility by asking you to perform certain activities and evaluating your ability to do so. Apart from this, Dr Gupta will carry out imaging studies such as x-ray, ultrasound, an MRI scan, to assess your condition and check for any broken bones or damage to surrounding tissue. This process will inform the decision making for conservative or surgical management.

Ankle ligament reconstructive surgery is a procedure done to correct lateral instability and sprains. First, Dr Gupta performs a physical exam through arthroscopic surgery to examine the ligament. Then, he can repair the ligament using stitches or strengthen it utilising tissue support or a piece of tendon.

FAQ

How do I know when I have torn my ligament? Is there a test to check for a torn ligament? Will it take long to recover from ankle ligament reconstruction surgery?