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Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons treating Elbow Hyperextension

ELBOW HYPEREXTENSION

A hyperextension injury of the elbow occurs when an elbow is bent back too far the wrong way, causing pain and possible damage to the ligaments in the elbow. It can also cause the elbow bones to dislocate or pop out of place.

If your child needs surgery or casting, our Fracture Care Clinic opens every day and you do not need an appointment. Surgery rooms get scheduled every morning, so your child receives the care and attention they need right away.

Elbow Hyperextension

Elbow HyperextensionElbow hyperextension is an injury that occurs when the elbow joint extends beyond its normal range of motion. And it causes damage to the ligaments and bones, and in some cases, dislocation of the joint.

Elbow hyperextension is an injury that can happen to anyone including children. However, it is particularly common among athletes who participate in contact sports such as football, judo, and boxing. Additionally, gymnasts, tennis players, and weightlifters are also at a higher risk of experiencing this injury.

Elbow Hyperextension Symptoms

Symptoms of elbow hyperextension can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Some common symptoms include:

  • A “popping” sound and immediate pain when the elbow is hyperextended: This is often the first sign of an elbow hyperextension injury. It is usually the result of a tear in the ligaments or other soft tissues of the elbow.
  • Dull to sharp pain when moving the elbow: The pain can be constant or intermittent. And it may be more severe when moving the elbow in certain positions.
  • Pain when touching the elbow: The injured area may be tender to the touch and may be swollen.
  • Swelling around the injured elbow: This is a result of inflammation and may make it difficult to move the elbow.
  • Stiffness in the elbow and arm: The elbow may feel stiff and difficult to move. Your child may have a restricted motion in his or her arm.
  • Loss of strength in the elbow and arm: Your child may experience weakness in his or her arm and difficulty performing tasks that require elbow and arm strength.
  • Muscle spasms in the biceps when trying to straighten the arm: The muscle spasms are the result of the injury and are a sign of muscle guarding, to prevent further injury.
  • Redness and discoloration around the injured area: The skin around the elbow may appear red and blotchy due to increased blood flow to the area.

Other Injuries

Depending on the severity, deformity of the elbow, and circulation problems in the hand, additional injuries may have occurred. Such as, if the injury is severe, it can cause a dislocation or even a fracture of the elbow. It can cause the bones in the elbow to shift out of place, resulting in an obvious deformity.

The injury can cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves in the hand. That can result in circulation problems and numbness or tingling in the hand.

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What definess elbow hyperextension in children, and how does it happen?

Elbow hyperextension refers to the excessive straightening or bending backward of the elbow joint beyond its normal range of motion. In children, this can occur due to accidental falls, sports-related injuries, or activities that cause stress on the elbow. The ligaments and structures supporting the elbow may stretch or tear when the joint gets hyperextended.  This will cause pain, swelling, and difficulty in moving the elbow.

What are the symptoms of elbow hyperextension in children, and how do doctors diagnose this condition?

Symptoms of elbow hyperextension in children may include pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty moving the elbow. In some cases, parents may see a deformity or hear a “pop” or “snap” sound at the time of injury. Diagnosis involves a thorough physical examination by a healthcare professional, often including assessing the range of motion and stability of the elbow. Doctors will want X-rays to evaluate the extent of the injury and rule out any fractures or other structural damage.

How do doctors treat elbow hyperextension in children?

Treatment for elbow hyperextension in children typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE protocol) to reduce pain and swelling. Doctors will want to immobile the elbow with a splint or sling to promote healing and limit movement. Doctors may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to limit pain. Additionally, doctors may recommend physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the elbow and improve the range of motion. In more severe cases or when ligaments are significantly damaged, doctors will recommend surgery.

It’s important for parents and caregivers to follow the prescribed treatment plan and consult a healthcare professional for appropriate guidance and care to ensure the child’s elbow heals properly and regains full function. Additionally, preventive measures, such as educating children on safe play and proper sports techniques, can help reduce the risk of elbow hyperextension injuries.

If your son or daughter is suffering with elbow problems, make an appointment with us

Causes & Risk Factors

The elbow joint is composed of three joints: the humeroulnar joint, the humeroradial joint, and the superior radioulnar joint. The humeroulnar joint connects the humerus bone of the upper arm and the ulna bone of the forearm. Thus, it allows for flexion and extension of the arm.

  • Hyperextension occurs when the humeroulnar joint bends backward beyond its natural range of motion.
  • Common causes include participation in contact sports such as football, gymnastics, weightlifting, or catching oneself during a fall.
  • The impact of the fall or body weight can cause the elbow to bend in the wrong direction, leading to hyperextension injury.

Risk Factors

  • Participation in high-impact activities: Athletes and people who engage in high-impact sports, or other exercises are at an increased risk for traumatic injury to the elbow.
  • Advancing age: As we age, bones and ligaments tend to weaken. It makes them more susceptible to moving out of their natural range of motion. And that increases the risk of elbow hyperextension.
  • History of injury: Individuals who have previously suffered from an elbow injury are at a higher risk of re-injury as the joint may be weaker than usual.

Elbow Hyperextension Diagnosis

If you suspect your child has a hyperextended elbow, make an appointment with one of our doctors at one of our Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists offices for a proper diagnosis.

  • Medical history and physical examination: Your doctor will take your child’s medical history and examine your child’s arm to determine the extent of the injury. During the physical examination, the doctor may assess for pain or discomfort by having the patient move their arm and elbow in various positions and angles. They will also examine the joint for signs of swelling or bruising, which can indicate an injury.
  • Imaging tests: Your doctor may order X-rays to rule out any fractures, and MRI or CT scans to check for soft tissue damage.

If the elbow is visibly deformed or there are fragments of bone protruding through the skin, go to the emergency department for treatment.

Your doctor can use the images from an MRI or CT scan to determine where your child’s elbow is injured and how badly the muscles, tendons, or other soft tissues are damaged. Then the doctor will discuss with you the appropriate treatment plan.

Elbow Hyperextension Treatment

Immediate treatment for elbow hyperextension injury includes:

  • Applying a cold compress to the injured area to reduce pain and swelling. The parent can do this by wrapping ice or an ice pack in a cloth and placing it on the affected area.
  • Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as aspirin helps with swelling and discomfort.

Depending on the severity of the injury, additional treatments that doctors may recommend include:

Rest

Rest is crucial for healing elbow hyperextension injury. Avoid flexing and extending the elbow, as well as activities that can cause swelling. The length of rest may vary depending on the injury severity. Therefore, it’s important to follow the doctor’s advice to ensure proper healing and prevent re-injury.

Ice therapy

To reduce pain and swelling in the initial days following elbow hyperextension injury, use a cold compress by wrapping ice or an ice pack in a cloth and placing it on the affected area. Apply for 10-20 minutes at a time, every few hours.

Elastic Bandage

The parent can use an elastic bandage to help prevent and relieve swelling, as well as limit movement in the injured elbow to aid in healing. Wrap the bandage around the elbow firmly enough to provide compression. However, make sure it is not so tight as to cause pain or loss of sensation in the arm or hand.

Elbow Brace

An elbow brace can help immobilize the joint to aid in healing. The duration of brace usage will depend on the injury and the doctor’s recommendation. In some cases, the doctor may recommend wearing the brace during certain activities on an ongoing basis to prevent re-injury.

Elevation

Elevating the injured elbow above the heart level can help prevent and reduce swelling, especially in the early days after the injury. The parent can do this by placing pillows under the elbow while lying down or using a stack of cushions while sitting. Wearing a sling can also help keep the elbow elevated.

Physical therapy

When the acute pain subsides, your doctor may recommend gentle stretches and exercises. It will help aid the healing of elbow hyperextension injuries. These may include:

  • Forearm and elbow stretch by extending the injured arm parallel to the ground with the palm facing down or up and gently pressing down or backward.
  • Bending the injured arm at the elbow and gently pressing down on the top of the hand while resisting movement. Repeat this exercise 3 times a day for 10 reps. It is important to follow the doctor’s advice and not to overdo it.

Surgery

In severe cases, elbow hyperextension can result in damage to the ligaments, tendons, bones, or other structures of the elbow.  For example, a fracture or severe tear. Surgery may be required to repair this severe injury. After surgery, the arm will need to be immobilized for a few weeks. Physical therapy will also be necessary to restore elbow function. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions and recommendations for post-surgery care and physical therapy to ensure proper healing and recovery.

Prevention  

To prevent elbow hyperextension injury, actively practice proper form during contact sports and physical activities. A coach or instructor can assist in implying the right technique, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

Elbow Hyperextension Outlook

If you suspect that your child has an elbow hyperextension injury, seek medical attention immediately. Treatment may involve immobilization and physical therapy. Failure to properly heal or repeated injuries can lead to chronic instability and an increased risk of arthritis. Your doctor can provide more information about your child’s specific condition and treatment options.

Why Should Parents Bring Their Child to the Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists?

Parents choose to bring their children to the Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists for several reasons including that we have four offices which are in ArlingtonDallas, Flower Mound, Frisco, and McKinneyTX:

  • Expertise: Doctors at Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine have extensive experience and training in treating pediatric orthopedic and spinal conditions.
  • Comprehensive care: They offer a range of services, including diagnostic evaluations, conservative treatment options, and minimally invasive surgical procedures.
  • Great Doctors: The Doctors and staff provide comprehensive care for children with orthopedic and spinal issues.
  • Child-centered approach: They understand that children have unique needs and concerns.
  • Pediatric Specialists: Our Team ensures that children feel comfortable and understood throughout their treatment journey.
  • Cutting-edge technology: They utilize the latest technology and techniques to diagnose and treat the children; thereby offering the best care available.
  • Multidisciplinary team: The team consists of specialists, including orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, rehabilitation specialists, and pain management specialists.

Overall, parents may bring their children to the Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists for high-quality, comprehensive, and compassionate care for a wide range of pediatric orthopedic and spinal conditions.

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Footnote:

WebMD: What to know about Elbow Hyperextension

Call 214-556-0590 to make an appointment.

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