Suspensory Ligament Tears: Causes, Symptoms & Surgical Repair

The suspensory ligament is any ligament that supports a body part or an organ. In humans they are located in the penis, ovary, eye lens and breasts. Natural tear is unusual in these locations; however, these ligaments can be torn and adjusted in surgery.

Penis Suspensory Ligament

• It is very rare for the suspensory ligament of the penis to be torn naturally. More commonly it is simply strained or stretched. There are, however, surgeries in which the ligament is cut to increase length. If torn, the penis suspensory ligament will reattach and heal on its own.

Breast and Ovary Suspensory Ligaments

• Due to their location, it is more common to strain the breast or ovary suspensory ligaments than to tear them. In rare cases the suspensory ligaments of the breasts can be torn due to excessive exercise without support and abnormally heavy breasts.

Lens Suspensory Ligament

• The suspensory ligament of the eye holds the lens in place.

  The suspensory ligament of the eye is a fibrous ring that holds the lens in place. A tear or damage to this suspensory ligament affects the eye's ability to focus.