Figure 16.21: The upper part of the ulna, at the elbow is broken, as you can see in the X-ray
at left. The x-ray at right was taken after a surgeon inserted pins into the joint to keep the
two pieces of the ulna together. The two pieces of bone were reattached with metal pins.
The line of staples is closing the skin wound. ( 21 )
Ligament Injuries
Recallthataligamentisashortbandoftoughconnectivetissuethatconnectsbonestogether
to form a joint. Ligaments can get injured when a joint gets twisted or bends too far. The
protein fibers that make up a ligament can get strained or torn, causing swelling and pain.
Injuries to ligaments are calledsprains. Ankle sprains are a common type of sprain. A
small ligament in the knee, called theanterior cruciform ligament(ACL), is a common site
of injury in athletes. Ligament injuries can take a long time to heal. Treatment of the injury
includes rest and special exercises that are developed by a physical therapist.
Preventing Injuries
Preventing injuries to your bones and ligaments is easier and much less painful than treating
an injury. Wearing the correct safety equipment when doing activities that require safety
equipment can help prevent many common injuries. For example, wearing a bicycle helmet
can help prevent a skull injury if you fall. Warming up and cooling down properly can help
prevent ligament and muscle injuries. Torn ligaments and fractured bones are common sport
injuries. Such injuries need to be treated by a doctor. Overuse injuries such as ligament
strains and tears are common injuries for teenage athletes. Correct conditioning and enough
rest can help prevent overuse injuries.