Classification of ligament and
muscle sprains
Ligament sprains
Grade I/mild sprain
Few ligament fibres torn, stability maintained.
Grade II/moderate sprain
Partial rupture, increased laxity but no gross instability.
Grade III/severe sprain
Complete rupture, gross instability.
Muscle strains
Grade I/mild strain
Few muscle fibres torn, minimum loss of strength and pain on muscle
contraction.
Grade II/moderate strain
Approximately half of muscle fibres torn, significant muscle weakness
and loss of function.
Moderate to severe pain on isometric contraction.
Grade III/severe strain
Complete tear of the muscle, significant muscle weakness
and severe loss of function.
Minimum to no pain on isometric contraction.
muscle sprains
Ligament sprains
Grade I/mild sprain
Few ligament fibres torn, stability maintained.
Grade II/moderate sprain
Partial rupture, increased laxity but no gross instability.
Grade III/severe sprain
Complete rupture, gross instability.
Muscle strains
Grade I/mild strain
Few muscle fibres torn, minimum loss of strength and pain on muscle
contraction.
Grade II/moderate strain
Approximately half of muscle fibres torn, significant muscle weakness
and loss of function.
Moderate to severe pain on isometric contraction.
Grade III/severe strain
Complete tear of the muscle, significant muscle weakness
and severe loss of function.
Minimum to no pain on isometric contraction.
