Forecast
Simple ligament stretches usually heal within one to two weeks. If capsular ligaments are torn, conservative therapy results in scarred defect healing of the ligaments. In most cases, the scarred ligaments are sufficient to restore the original function.
If the stability is not sufficient, this results in joint instability. In these cases, surgery should be considered. Such injuries can be treated surgically, especially for athletes.
If there are no complications, full fitness for sport is usually restored after three months. The duration of recovery can vary individually depending on the severity, localisation and physiological conditions of the affected person. Currently there is no fixed information about the duration of the healing process to which one could commit oneself 100%.
A small and simple torn ligament can be healed within one to two weeks. Other torn ligaments require a much longer healing process. In principle, the region of the torn ligament should be immobilised for at least 6 weeks.
After that, a slow and cautious loading is possible again. It is important that the ligament is accustomed to its original function again and that it is not immediately strained to the utmost. In the case of a torn cruciate ligament, for example, you can start cycling or walking immediately after an operation.
However, jogging should only be started 3 months after the operation. Absolutely risky sports which are predisposed to a renewed rupture of the ligament (e.g. football, handball, skiing, tennis etc.) should not be practiced again until 6-10 months later.
In total, it takes approximately half a year until the torn ligament structure is functionally restored and can be loaded normally again. The prognosis clearly depends on the extent of the torn ligament and on how the torn ligament was treated. The age of the affected person also plays an important role.
If a torn ligament is treated immediately, the chances of recovery are very good. In contrast to fresh torn ligaments, older people are more difficult to treat and take longer. This is due to the fact that the restoration of the former physiological form is almost impossible.
Since ligaments are essential for the proprioception of our body, it is important to treat immediately to enable a good healing. Proprioreception is the depth sensitivity which is responsible for our brain receiving information about joint, muscle and ligament positions and their activity. Therapeutic means such as plastic ligaments cannot fulfil this function of complex sensory perception.
In addition, there is a risk of remaining instability if not treated consistently or if it is a very complicated torn ligament including capsule injury. The probability of suffering another injury to that ligament structure increases. A clear diagnosis and appropriate treatment are also important to counteract a “ball and socket” joint or dislocation.
A ball and socket joint is an unstable joint that develops as a result of numerous past joint injuries or improperly cured torn ligaments and has less stability than a healthy joint. Ligaments are also important for keeping bones that articulate with each other in position. However, if the ligaments are weakened after a tear, the joint is more susceptible to dislocation.
After a torn ligament, the affected area should therefore be protected long enough to regain full functionality and stability. If a torn ligament does not stop properly, the risk of post-traumatic dislocation is increased. This refers to a further joint injury, which is also caused by external force. So there are a number of things that need to be taken into account to ensure a favourable prognosis after a torn ligament and to positively influence the healing process.