Which statement correctly describes the sprain grading scale?

• A. Grade I: Severe, Grade II: Mild, Grade III: Moderate.
• B. Grade I: Moderate, Grade II: Severe, Grade III: Mild.
• C. Grade I: Mild, Grade II: Severe, Grade III: Moderate.
• D. Grade I: Mild, Grade II: Moderate, Grade III: Severe.

Answer: (D)

The key idea here is how a sprain’s severity is categorized by a grading scale that mirrors increasing ligament damage and functional loss. A mild sprain means a stretch of the ligament with little to no tearing, minimal swelling, and little to no loss of function. A moderate sprain indicates a partial tear with more pronounced tenderness, swelling, and some limitation in movement and stability. A severe sprain represents a complete rupture with marked swelling, significant instability, and substantial functional impairment.

The best description is: Grade I is mild, Grade II is moderate, Grade III is severe. This matches the progressive nature of tissue damage and how it translates into symptoms and function.

Other options assign incorrect levels to the grades (for example, labeling Grade I as severe or reversing mild and severe across grades), which would misrepresent how ligament injury severity typically presents and guides management.