What occurs during the inflammatory phase of ligament healing?

During the inflammatory phase of ligament healing, the key events include the accumulation of blood and cells at the injury site, predominantly due to the body's response to injury. The formation of hematoma is crucial as it acts as a scaffold for cellular migration and plays a role in inflammation. Leukocytes, such as neutrophils and macrophages, migrate to the area to help clean up debris and pathogens, initiating the healing process. This phase is characterized by swelling, redness, heat, and pain, which are all signs of inflammation indicating that the body is responding to the injury.

This phase typically lasts a few days and sets the groundwork for subsequent stages of healing. The focus is not on strengthening the ligament or regaining function, which happens in later phases, nor on the formation of new blood vessels and alignment of collagen fibers, both of which occur in subsequent phases of the healing process. The inflammatory phase is about creating the right environment for healing to begin rather than tissue regeneration and reorganization.