Introduction
Each joint is surrounded by a joint capsule. Particularly during sports, incorrect movements, falls or impacts on a joint can cause the capsule to tear. Fingers and toes are mainly affected, but also the knee and the ankle joint often suffer a rupture of the capsule.
General information on capsule rupture
Each joint is completely enclosed by a joint capsule consisting of an inner and outer layer. The inner layer, the membrana synovialis, connects directly to the joint cartilage and produces the synovial fluid with which the joint cavity is filled. The outer layer of the joint capsule consists of taut, collagenous connective tissue and is fused to the bone.
The thickness and strength of the outer layer varies depending on the joint. The joint capsule is additionally strengthened and stabilized by ligaments of taut, collagenous connective tissue. Depending on the joint, the number and strength of these so-called guiding ligaments varies.
The guiding ligaments are partially fused with the joint capsule. A capsule tear is an injury to the joint capsule caused by tearing of the connective tissue that makes up the capsule. In many cases, not only the joint capsule is injured in a rupture of the capsule, but in many cases the collateral ligaments are also injured and the affected joint is sprained or dislocated.
Symptoms of capsule rupture
A capsule rupture is very painful because the joint capsule is equipped with many pain receptors. The stabbing pain starts immediately after the injury, and in the course of time there is increasing swelling of the affected joint and surrounding areas. Since smaller blood vessels can also tear when the capsule tears, bruises are not uncommon after an injury to the capsule-ligament apparatus. After a rupture of the capsule, the function of the affected joint is significantly restricted in many cases: On the one hand, the pain prevents the joint from using its normal range of motion. On the other hand, the rupture of the capsule may have injured structures of the joint that are necessary for movement and no longer function properly due to the injury.
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