What defines a Grade II sprain?

A Grade II sprain is characterized by a partial tear of the ligament. This means that some of the fibers are torn, resulting in increased instability of the joint and often accompanied by swelling, bruising, and pain. The severity can be assessed by the degree of instability and the functional impact on the joint.

A complete tear would classify as a Grade III sprain, distinguishing it as a more severe injury. In contrast, a Grade I sprain involves only a mild stretching of the ligaments without significant tearing. Therefore, the defining aspect of a Grade II sprain is indeed that it is partially torn, which directly leads to the associated symptoms and potential treatment protocols.