Which of the following is a characteristic finding of a second degree ligament sprain?

In a second-degree ligament sprain, the characteristics reflect a partial tear of the ligament. One of the defining features is that the joint remains stable, albeit with some degree of swelling, tenderness, and mild to moderate dysfunction. Unlike a first-degree sprain, where there is minimal damage, or a third-degree sprain, which involves a complete tear leading to significant instability, a second-degree sprain maintains joint integrity overall.

The reason the joint remains stable is due to the fact that only a portion of the ligament fibers are torn, allowing for some structural support that helps prevent complete joint instability. Patients typically experience pain and may have limited range of motion, but they will not have the severe functional loss associated with third-degree sprains, nor will they experience total joint instability.