What is the difference between tendon rupture and ligament rupture?
Disease description:
I accidentally fell while playing basketball, and my leg hurt badly. The people with me said it was a tendon rupture and told me to go to the hospital immediately. After an examination at the hospital, the doctor said it was a ligament tear instead. So I'd like to ask, what's the difference between a tendon rupture and a ligament tear?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lin Yunfei
The two differ in treatment methods, sites of occurrence, and other aspects. However, after rupture, the differences between them are not significant. In the former case, rupture results from muscle contraction; however, the retracted tissue can be pulled back and sutured. In the latter case, rupture occurs due to the high tension in ligaments; ligament rupture leads to severe retraction, and the retracted ligament cannot be restored. To achieve effective treatment, reconstructive surgery is required. Tendons are accessory structures of muscles, connecting to the muscle belly, and their main function is to transmit muscular force. Ligaments are located around joints, primarily serving to enhance joint stability, prevent joint injury, and restrict excessive movement.
