Grade III sprain is a complete tear or rupture of the ligament or joint capsule. Which option correctly describes this grade?

• A. Mild tear
• B. Partial tear
• C. Complete tear or rupture
• D. Inflammation only

Answer: (C)

Sprains are graded by how severely the ligament is damaged. A Grade III sprain means the ligament or joint capsule has a complete tear or rupture, causing substantial joint instability. That is exactly what the option describes: a complete tear or rupture. The other descriptions fit less severe injuries or other processes—light stretching aligns with a mild tear, partial tearing with a Grade II, and inflammation alone does not capture a structural tear in the ligament.