Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) Practice Exam

What characterizes a grade 3 ligament injury?

1. Complete disruption with no movement

2. Significant swelling and pain

3. Dislocation with complete ligament disruption

4. Minor ligament stretching

The correct answer is: Dislocation with complete ligament disruption

A grade 3 ligament injury is characterized by a complete rupture of the ligament, which results in loss of structural integrity. This complete disruption leads to significant instability in the affected joint and is often accompanied by associated dislocation, where the bones connected by the ligament become misaligned. In this context, option C is specifically correct because it highlights both the complete disruption of the ligament and the potential for dislocation. It accurately reflects the severity of the injury, as this level typically indicates that the ligament can no longer perform its stabilizing function, leading to significant movement and instability. The other options represent different levels of injury or involvement that do not fully capture the essence of a grade 3 injury. For instance, complete disruption with no movement might suggest severe involvement but does not take into account the commonly associated dislocation and instability seen with grade 3 injuries. Significant swelling and pain, while often present in grade 3 injuries, are more general symptoms that can be seen in lower-grade injuries as well. Minor ligament stretching simply does not apply to a grade 3 injury, as it denotes a lesser degree of trauma where the ligament is still somewhat intact.