Scar tissue

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Your question appears to confuse two issues. As with most tissues of the body, when a ligament is torn the healing process involves repair by fibrous tissue instead of the tissue from which the structure was originally composed. Fibrous tissue when created in the healing process is termed "scar tissue." Fibrous-scar healing of a ligament does not necessarily weaken the ligament, but it does mitigate its function. The function of a ligament is to act as a shock absorber, maintain joint continuity and integrity and give flexibility to a joint, allowing for it to slightly dislocate and then return undamaged to its structural position. In order to serve these functions, a ligament is composed of tissue which is elastic. Fibrous-scar tissue is NOT elastic, and therefore once a ligament is torn and has healed, the ligament is no longer completely composed of elastic tissue and its function as a ligament is mitigated. Prompt surgical repair of a torn ligament may reduce the amount of scar tissue created, but there will be scar tissue. The fibrous-scar healing interface cannot be broken down to be replaced by the naturally elastic tissue of the ligament, and there will always be scar tissue which joins the formerly torn portions of the ligament. If the scar is forcefully broken, new scar will be created if and when the ligament re-heals.

The other aspect of your question deals with the creation of scar tissue as the result of collateral damage visited to the site as the result of trauma to a joint or other areas of the body. Scar tissue can cause adhesions which restrict motion, the binding down other soft tissue structures such as tendons and nerves and subsequent pain resulting from attempts to obtain a full range of motion or nerve involvement. Fibrous scar tissue also tends to contract, compounding these problems. Under these circumstances, deep massage, forceful physical therapy and/or surgical release is sometimes appropriate to break these adhesion and contractions. In general, when mobilizing a joint, moderate heat is employed prior to exercise in order to facilitate motion and cold is employed afterward to reduce inflammation. NONE OF THIS SHOULD BE ATTEMPTED WITHOUT PROPER EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATION BY A KNOWLEDGEABLE ATTENDING DOCTOR.

 

Thank you Doc. Your detailed explanation was extremely helpful-especially in describing scar tissue and adhesions. I appreciate your time!