Grade II lateral ankle sprain represents what pattern?

Grade II lateral ankle sprain represents what pattern?

• A. ATFL only.
• B. Partial tearing of ATFL and possibly CFL with diffuse swelling and a positive anterior drawer test.
• C. Deltoid ligament
• D. Isolated deltoid injury

Answer: (B)

Inversion injuries that cause a Grade II lateral ankle sprain involve a partial tear of the lateral ligaments, typically the ATFL, with possible involvement of the calcaneofibular ligament. This pattern explains why there is diffuse swelling and lateral tenderness, and why the anterior drawer test is positive—ATFL laxity is present but not a full rupture. Isolated ATFL tear or a medial deltoid injury would present differently: a complete ATFL rupture or a medial injury would not align with the common lateral-sprain pattern and the observed signs. Therefore, partial tearing of the ATFL with possible CFL involvement, plus swelling and a positive anterior drawer test, best matches a Grade II lateral ankle sprain.

Inversion injuries that cause a Grade II lateral ankle sprain involve a partial tear of the lateral ligaments, typically the ATFL, with possible involvement of the calcaneofibular ligament. This pattern explains why there is diffuse swelling and lateral tenderness, and why the anterior drawer test is positive—ATFL laxity is present but not a full rupture. Isolated ATFL tear or a medial deltoid injury would present differently: a complete ATFL rupture or a medial injury would not align with the common lateral-sprain pattern and the observed signs. Therefore, partial tearing of the ATFL with possible CFL involvement, plus swelling and a positive anterior drawer test, best matches a Grade II lateral ankle sprain.