Diagnosis of a Tendon or Ligament Injury

A ligament is the tissue that joins two bones, at a joint. When the ligament is torn, the joint is referred to as sprained. A tendon is tissue that connects muscle to bone. When it is stretched or torn, it is considered strained.

Clinical Signs

• Ligament injuries are suspected when you can't move the affected joint, you have severe pain, the joint collapses under weight and you can't take more than a few steps without significant pain. Tendons are suspected when there is swelling, limited range of motion and cramping.

X-rays

• X-rays may be taken to rule out more serious injuries such as broken bones. With certain joints, ligament injuries can be confirmed by the position of a structure of the joint if it is displaced by the injury.

MRI

• MRI machine

  Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is used to see the soft tissue areas. Ligament tears can be seen as well as cartilage injuries, which can accompany ligament tears. Tendon tears can also be seen with an MRI.

Arthroscopy

• An arthroscopy is an outpatient procedure in which a tiny, lighted tube is inserted into your knee joint through a small incision. Your doctor can view the images of the inside of your joint and determine the extent of your injury.

Warning

• If you felt a pop or snap when you were injured, see your physician. Neglecting treatment of severe soft tissue injuries can result in permanent disability.