When involved in a car accident, you may experience any one of several different types of ligament trauma. This may be in the form of a stretch or a tear, commonly referred to as simply a sprain. Sprains can be quite painful and can even prevent you from being able to complete everyday tasks. Some common ligament-related injuries include:
- Ankle sprains
- Back sprain
- Elbow sprains
- Knee sprains or tears of the ACL, LCL, MCL or PCL
- Neck sprain
- Torn meniscus
- Torn rotator cuff
- Whiplash
- Wrist sprains
Understanding the Degree of Ligament Injuries
With ligament injuries, there are varying degrees of severity. A mild sprain, for example, will require far less medical care than a severe pain. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), sprains can be categorized in one of three different categories. These include:
- Grade 1 Sprain (Mild): Defined as a slight stretching resulting in some damage to the fibers of the ligament.
- Grade 2 Sprain (Moderate): Defined as a partial tearing of the ligament resulting in abnormal looseness in the joint whenever it is moved in a certain way.
- Grade 3 Sprain (Severe): Defined as a complete tear of the ligament, causing significant instability to the point that the joint is nonfunctional.
Getting the Care You Need
If you have been in a car accident or have otherwise been involved in a situation that resulted in a sprain or torn ligament, proper medical care is essential. At Advanced Spine and Rehab, we will help you recover from your injuries so you can once again return to the lifestyle you desire.