The healing of a ligament involves several stages:
1. Inflammation: Immediately after injury, the inflammatory phase begins, lasting for a few days. Histologically, this phase is marked by the presence of inflammatory cells and increased vascular permeability.
2. Proliferation: During this phase, which can last for weeks, fibroblasts proliferate and synthesize new collagen fibers. However, the new collagen is initially laid down in a random orientation and is less organized than the original tissue.
3. Remodeling: The final phase can last for months to years. The newly formed collagen fibers gradually align in response to mechanical stresses, restoring some of the original strength and functionality to the ligament.
