What is the term used for ruptured and/or torn cartilage in the ankle?

The term used for ruptured and/or torn cartilage in the ankle is indeed a sprain. A sprain specifically refers to an injury where the ligaments, which are connecting tissues that support and stabilize joints, are stretched or torn. In the context of the ankle, this often involves the ligaments that surround the joint; however, significant sprains can also involve damage to the cartilage within the joint itself.

Injuries such as bone fractures involve breaks in the bone rather than the connective tissue or cartilage. Tendon strains are characterized by injuries to tendons, which connect muscles to bones, and do not directly address issues related to the cartilage or ligaments surrounding a joint. Dislocation refers to a complete displacement of a bone from its normal joint position, which is a separate issue from cartilage injury. Therefore, the term sprain is the most appropriate for describing an injury that includes ruptured or torn cartilage in the ankle.