Which term describes a complete rupture with major impairment and severe initial pain?

• A. Contusion
• B. Hematoma
• C. Muscle Strain Grade III
• D. Muscle Strain Grade II

Answer: (C)

Muscle injuries are described by how much of the muscle-tendon unit is torn. A complete rupture with major impairment and severe initial pain is best described as a Grade III muscle strain. This reflects a full tear of the muscle fibers (or tendon) that leads to a dramatic loss of strength and function right at the moment of injury, often with swelling and sometimes a palpable gap.

Contusion is simply a bruise from a direct impact, causing discoloration and swelling but not necessarily a full tear of the muscle. Hematoma is a localized collection of blood that can occur with various injuries and may accompany a tear, but it does not itself define a complete rupture. A Grade II strain is a partial tear with more pain and weakness than a mild strain, but the muscle-tendon unit is not completely torn, so function is not totally lost.