Grade II Sprain involves which findings?

• A. Extreme swelling and deformity
• B. Some pain and minimal tenderness
• C. Moderate pain and swelling, minimal instability of the joint, minimal to moderate tearing of the ligament, decreased ROM
• D. Complete loss of function

Answer: (C)

A Grade II sprain means a partial tearing of the ligament with some loss of stability and impaired function. This level sits between a mild stretch (Grade I) and a complete rupture (Grade III). You’d expect swelling and tenderness, pain with movement, and some looseness of the joint on stress testing, with a noticeable but not total decrease in range of motion.

The description that matches this best is moderate pain and swelling, minimal instability, tearing of the ligament ranging from minimal to moderate, and decreased range of motion. This reflects a partial ligament tear with enough damage to cause swelling and reduced motion, but not a full-thickness rupture or complete loss of function.

The other descriptions align with milder or more severe injuries: extreme swelling with deformity points to a more severe Grade III injury; complete loss of function also suggests Grade III; and only some pain with minimal tenderness fits a Grade I sprain.