Ligaments are highly organized, dense, fibrous connective-tissue structures
that provide stability to joints and participate in joint proprioception.
Injuries to ligaments induce a healing response that is characterized by th
e formation of a scar. The scar tissue is weaker, larger and creeps more th
an normal ligament and is associated with an increased amount of minor coll
agens (types III, V and VI), decreased collagen crosslinks and an increased
amount of glycosaminoglycans. Studies have shown that certain surgical Var
iables alter the healing of ligaments. Such factors include the size of gap
between the healing ligament ends,the use of motion in a stable joint and
the presence of multiple ligamentous injuries. Research on ligament healing
includes studies on low-load and failure-load properties, alterations in t
he expression of matrix molecules, cytokine modulation of healing and gene
therapy as a method to alter matrix protein and cytokine production.