Pain with minimal function loss and no abnormal motion is characteristic of which injury grade?

Pain with minimal function loss and no abnormal motion is characteristic of which injury grade?

• A. Tendinitis
• B. Ligament Sprain Grade II
• C. Ligament Sprain Grade III
• D. Ligament Sprain Grade I

Answer: (D)

This describes a mild ligament sprain, where only minimal tearing of the ligament fibers has occurred. The joint remains stable, so there is no abnormal motion on exam and function is largely preserved. Pain is present but limited in impact on daily activity. If the injury were more severe, you’d expect some instability or laxity with stress testing (partial tear) or a complete rupture with definite abnormal motion (full instability). Tendinitis, by contrast, centers on tendon irritation with activity and doesn’t produce the joint instability seen in higher-grade sprains.

This describes a mild ligament sprain, where only minimal tearing of the ligament fibers has occurred. The joint remains stable, so there is no abnormal motion on exam and function is largely preserved. Pain is present but limited in impact on daily activity. If the injury were more severe, you’d expect some instability or laxity with stress testing (partial tear) or a complete rupture with definite abnormal motion (full instability). Tendinitis, by contrast, centers on tendon irritation with activity and doesn’t produce the joint instability seen in higher-grade sprains.