Which statement correctly describes sprain grades?

Which statement correctly describes sprain grades?

• A. Complete Disruption (Unstable)
• B. Incomplete Tear (Stable)
• C. Significant Incomplete Tear (Some Laxity)
• D. No Tear

Answer: (A)

Sprain grades reflect how much a ligament is damaged and how stable the joint remains. A sprain can range from a mild stretch or partial tear with the joint still stable to a complete rupture with loss of joint stability. The description of complete disruption with instability best represents the highest grade of sprain, where the ligament is fully torn and the joint becomes unstable. Descriptions of an incomplete tear with stability or some laxity refer to milder or moderate grades, and no tear would mean there isn’t a sprain at all. So the statement that conveys a complete disruption and resulting instability fits the concept of the severe end of sprain grading.

Sprain grades reflect how much a ligament is damaged and how stable the joint remains. A sprain can range from a mild stretch or partial tear with the joint still stable to a complete rupture with loss of joint stability. The description of complete disruption with instability best represents the highest grade of sprain, where the ligament is fully torn and the joint becomes unstable. Descriptions of an incomplete tear with stability or some laxity refer to milder or moderate grades, and no tear would mean there isn’t a sprain at all. So the statement that conveys a complete disruption and resulting instability fits the concept of the severe end of sprain grading.