What type of injury involves an overstretching of a ligament?

A sprain specifically refers to the overstretching or tearing of ligaments, which are the tough bands of connective tissue that link bones together at a joint. When a joint is subjected to excessive force or unusual movement, it can lead to a sprain, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes bruising at the site of the injury.

The other options relate to different types of injuries. A fracture involves a break in the bone, which does not pertain to ligaments. A strain refers to an injury to a muscle or tendon, which differs from a sprain, as tendons connect muscles to bones and are not involved in ligament injuries. A dislocation occurs when a bone is forced out of its normal position in a joint, which again is not related to the overstretching of ligaments. Therefore, the definition of a sprain aligns perfectly with the description of an injury involving overstretched ligaments.