In sprain grading, which grade corresponds to a severe sprain?

In sprain grading, which grade corresponds to a severe sprain?

• A. Grade I.
• B. Grade III.
• C. Grade II.
• D. Grade IV.

Answer: (B)

In sprain grading, how damaged the ligament is determines how unstable the joint becomes. A mild sprain involves a stretch (Grade I) with little to no instability; a moderate sprain is a partial tear (Grade II) with some laxity; a severe sprain is a complete rupture of the ligament with marked instability, often with swelling and difficulty bearing weight. Some schemes include a Grade IV for injuries with bone avulsion or dramatic bone involvement, but for purely ligamentous sprains, Grade III is considered the most severe form. Therefore, the option describing a complete tear with significant instability best fits a severe sprain.

In sprain grading, how damaged the ligament is determines how unstable the joint becomes. A mild sprain involves a stretch (Grade I) with little to no instability; a moderate sprain is a partial tear (Grade II) with some laxity; a severe sprain is a complete rupture of the ligament with marked instability, often with swelling and difficulty bearing weight. Some schemes include a Grade IV for injuries with bone avulsion or dramatic bone involvement, but for purely ligamentous sprains, Grade III is considered the most severe form. Therefore, the option describing a complete tear with significant instability best fits a severe sprain.