Difference between Tendon and Ligament

The primary distinction between tendons and ligaments is that whereas ligaments join bones together, tendons join muscles to bones. Ligaments are referred to as connective tissues because they act like one. Cells that make up connective tissues' skeletal system are involved in these problems. In contrast to ligaments, which are robust and elastic, tendons are both strong and flexible. Living cells makeup both the joint tissue and the bone. For keeping joints and bones healthy, they are crucial. They contain collagen.

Ligament

Ligaments are the connective tissues that join two bones together. Lots of sturdy collagen fibres make up ligaments. In addition, ligaments are found in the body in a variety of shapes and resemble cords.

Tendon

Muscles and bones are connected by tendons, which are connective tissues. The tendon's function is to facilitate motion. They are not extremely elastic but are tear resistant.

Ligaments and tendons are components of the skeletal and muscular systems. These are the connective tissues that hold the body's various components together. Both tendons and ligaments are composed of collagen-containing living cells.

Structure of Tendon and Ligament

• Tiny fascicles can be seen inside tendons and ligaments.
• Each fascicle contains fibroblasts as well as the fundamental fibril of the tendons or ligaments.
• A fibroblast is a type of biological cell that produces tendons and ligaments.
• The crimp or waviness of the fibril plays a significant role in the nonlinear stress-strain relationship of ligaments and tendons.
• Most tissues, including tendons and ligaments, are composed of 70% water, 20% collagen, and 2% ground-up debris.
• However, collagen makes up 70% of its dry weight.
• Collagen is a protein that forms fibrils and raises tensile strength.
• Different ligaments and tendons have different patterns of collagen fibres.
• Ligaments are arranged into a thick, disorganised, and randomly packed network.
• Organized, parallel and linear arrangements characterise the tendon tissue.
• Because of this, tendons can endure large uniaxial (unidirectional) tensile loads during activity, as opposed to ligaments, which normally carry tensile loads in one direction and lower tensile loads in other directions.

Working of Tendon and Ligament

1. Considering ligaments to be rope made up of a network of strong, tangled fibres that hold bones together. Ligaments also include a little number of elastic fibres, which allow the joint to move but not too far.
2. For instance, the knee joint has four main ligaments: Two-run diagonally across the front and back of the kneecap, one on each side of the joint. These ligaments aid in knee stabilization and prevent excessive forward, backward, or side-to-side motion.
3. Although they are less rigid than ligaments, tendons are nonetheless strong cords. The tendon that is attached pulls the bone into motion as the muscle contracts. Consider what occurs to your bicep when you bend.

Various Ligament Types

1. Articular Ligament

Different ligaments can restrict motion or activity at a joint. Part of an articular capsule, capsular ligaments are found in the area around synovial joints. Extracapsular ligaments are ligaments that connect to other ligaments to offer stability. Beyond what the less-than-joint ligaments can supply, the intracapsular ligaments add strength and range of motion.

2. Artificial Ligament

A piece of material that has been strengthened to replace a torn ligament is called an artificial ligament. A polymer, like PET or polyacrylonitrile fibre, is used to create this synthetic material. A broken ligament in the body most frequently occurs in the anterior cruciate ligament. An ACL injury necessitates reconstructive surgery since it is crucial for maintaining knee stability. One can replace a torn ligament using a variety of methods.

3. Fetal residual ligaments

When certain tubular foetal structures close and transform into cord-like structures, they become ligaments.

Structural Difference between Tendons and Ligaments

Functional Difference between Tendons and Ligaments

Tendon Injuries

People who play sports frequently suffer from tendon injuries. Tendons are the root of 30 to 50 per cent of sports injuries. A strain that harms a tendon or the muscle to which it joins is a common sports injury. The pain from the injuries can be unbearable. The recovery from a significant strain might take a while.

When you fall or abruptly twist the tendon, a strain may develop. People who are not active may be more prone to injury, especially if they suddenly become active or because of inactivity and muscle weakness. Tendon injuries are regularly sustained by athletes. Thirty to fifty per cent of sports injuries involve tendons. A common sports injury is a strain that affects a tendon or the muscle to which it attaches. The injury could cause excruciating discomfort. After a significant strain, recuperation could take some time. A strain could happen if you fall or twist the tendon suddenly. Inactive people may be more likely to have an accident, especially if they suddenly start moving around or their muscles are already weak from inactivity.

1. Tendonitis: Tendonitis is an inflammation of a tendon. Tendinitis can be brought on by trauma, such as a strain, although overuse injuries are the most common cause. Tendonitis patients may experience pain and swelling while touching the affected area. Tendinosis is like a muscular strain in that it develops over months or years because of overuse or poor sports technique.
2. Subluxation: Subluxation happens whenever a tendon dislocates. A joint that has been wounded by something that snaps or pops could feel painful and numb. Every now and then, the pain changes. Although tendon snapping can come from an accident, subluxation is more likely to happen because of certain hereditary anatomical anomalies.

Treatment for Tendon and Ligament Injury

Treatment for injuries to tendons and ligaments is quite similar. They usually require rest, cold, compression, and elevation. If you have pain or swelling, make an appointment with your doctor for a precise diagnosis and an effective course of action. In the interim, physicians advise:

• Rest: Try to prevent your injured body part from moving until full healing has started. Crutches and immobilization braces may help with this process if necessary.
• Ice: To speed up healing, place an ice pack on the injured area for 20 minutes at a time, several times daily. The pack should be wrapped in a towel to prevent skin damage.
• Compression: To reduce edoema, apply a compression bandage. Make sure the bandage is tightly cinched without becoming so excruciatingly.
• Elevation: If you maintain the injured area of your body above your heart, it will heal more quickly.
• Medication: As needed, over-the-counter analgesics and painkillers may help you experience reduced swelling and discomfort.