Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) Practice Exam

What defines a grade 2 ligament injury?

1. Partial disruption with active stability

2. Complete rupture of the ligament

3. Active and passive instability

4. Minimal symptoms and stable

The correct answer is: Partial disruption with active stability

A grade 2 ligament injury is characterized by a partial disruption of the ligament, which typically results in some degree of instability or laxity. In this case, although the ligament is not fully torn, the structural integrity is compromised enough that the joint may demonstrate some instability during movement. Patients often experience pain, swelling, and a limited range of motion due to the injury, but they may still retain some level of active stability when engaging in certain movements or activities, particularly if they can rely on surrounding muscle strength or coactivation of stabilizing structures. This differentiation from other grades of injury, like a grade 3, which involves complete rupture, or a grade 1, which might present minimal symptoms with full stability, underscores the importance of recognizing the unique features of a grade 2 injury. Thus, understanding this classification aids therapists in creating appropriate rehabilitation plans and guiding recovery strategies.