Which combination of ligaments is affected in a Grade II ankle sprain?

In a Grade II ankle sprain, there is a partial tear of the ligaments that stabilize the ankle, leading to some degree of instability. The anterior talofibular ligament and the calcaneofibular ligament are commonly affected in this type of injury.

The anterior talofibular ligament is particularly vulnerable during inversion injuries, which are the most common mechanism for ankle sprains. The calcaneofibular ligament provides additional support, especially when the ankle is in a neutral position. In a Grade II sprain, both these ligaments show signs of damage, which is reflected in symptoms such as swelling, bruising, and pain, often leading to difficulty in weight-bearing.

Other ligament combinations, such as those involving the posterior talofibular ligament, are typically associated with more severe sprains (Grade III), which involve complete tearing and significant instability of the ankle joint. Therefore, the pairing of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments is directly related to the characteristics and presentation of a Grade II ankle sprain, making this answer the most accurate in describing the ligaments affected.