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Ligament are the fibrous “connective tissues” that hold the Skeletal System together at individual Joints. Ligaments connect and hold together bones.

They are similar but different than tendons. Ligaments do not connect muscle Muscular – that is done by tendons. But they do connect bone to bone. They are considered “elastic” and when a dislocation happens, then it must be set into place very quickly.

This type of tissue can lengthen beyond proper length and this may cause future damage, problems, and potential chronic dislocations.

“Double-Jointed” individuals have a more elastic ligament – this allows stretching to go further.

If this type of tissue becomes damaged or broken and this is often due to trauma, sports, work related injuries, accidents, and others. They cannot be regenerated naturally.

Ligaments are divided into 3 categories:

–  Articular ligaments
–  Fibrous ligaments
–  True ligaments

Important note:  Not all damaged ligaments require surgery

1.)  Those who do require surgery may have joint replacement or alignment of the ligament depending on location and severity.

2.) Osteoarthritis may result following surgery or when surgery is not performed.

3.) This is a wearing of the cartilage that leads to Arthritis.

Knee Ligaments

–  There are four main ligaments of the knee
–  These ligaments connect the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shin bone)
–  The main ligaments are as follows:

1.)  Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

– This ligament is located in the center of the knee
–  It controls rotation and forward movement of the tibia (shin bone).

2.)  Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)

– This ligament is located in the center of the knee
–  It controls the backward movement of the tibia (shin bone).

3.)  Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)

– This ligament is located on the inside of the knee
–  It controls some movement and gives stability to the inner knee.

4.)  Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)

– This ligament is located on the outside of the knee
– It controls some movement and gives stability to the outer knee.