Sports Science

Injury to tendons and ligaments

(shoulder)
pictures on this page are taken from Sports Injuries published by Methuen Australia 1986

The shoulder region is particularly vulnerable in contact sports such as rugby and football. The range of movement of the shoulder is extensive and range of injuries include fractures, dislocations and ligament damage.

The ligaments are made up of tough connective tissue with tightly packed bundles of elastic tissue. The tendons, on the other hand are made of tough inelastic collagen fibres. Why is it important for the ligaments to have elastic properties but not the tendons?
Solution

What is the function of a ligament?

Describe an activity that will cause the anterior talofibular ligament to rupture?

Describe an activity that will cause the deltoid ligament to rupture?

What is the function of the cruciate ligaments?

Where is the anterior cruciate ligament located?

What bones does the medial collateral ligament join?

Describe a motion that would cause the medial collateral ligament to tear.

Training on a cold morning without first warming up is likely to tear tendons but not ligaments. Suggest why

What is the difference between ligaments and tendons?

Tendons are not elastic. Why is this important?

Ligaments are elastic so absorb a sudden force without tearing. Tendons are not elastic. How do tendons absorb sudden forces? Hint - muscles have slight elastic properties.