Which injury involves stretching or tearing of ligaments?

A sprain specifically refers to an injury that results from the overstretching or tearing of ligaments, which are the fibrous connective tissues that connect bones to other bones at a joint. When a sprain occurs, it affects the stability and function of the joint, leading to pain, swelling, and potential impairment of mobility.

In contrast, a strain involves the stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons, which are the tissues that connect muscles to bones, rather than ligaments. The other two conditions, tension pneumothorax and flail chest, relate primarily to thoracic injuries. Tension pneumothorax involves air trapped in the pleural space that compresses the lung, while flail chest is a result of multiple rib fractures leading to a segment of the chest wall becoming mobile and not functioning properly during respiration. Thus, the correct identification of a sprain is crucial for understanding ligament injuries.