What is the term for an injury where ligaments are torn?

A sprain is a specific type of injury that involves the tearing of ligaments, which are the tough bands of fibrous tissue connecting bones at a joint. When a joint is subjected to excessive force or movement beyond its normal range, the ligaments can become overstretched or torn, leading to a sprain. This injury is typically characterized by pain, swelling, bruising, and sometimes limited joint mobility.

In contrast, a fracture refers to a break in a bone, while a strain involves the stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons. A dislocation occurs when a bone is forcibly displaced from its normal position in a joint. Understanding these definitions highlights why "sprain" is the correct term for an injury specifically involving torn ligaments.