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.

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Elbow Hyperextension

Elbow 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.

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

Other Injuries

Depending on the severity, deformity of the elbow, and circulation problems in the hand, additional injuries may have occurred. For example, 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.

Beyond fractures and dislocations, the elbow is susceptible to various conditions. Here are some of the related conditions and injuries:

Arthroscopic Debridement of the Elbow: A procedure often required for treating joint issues.
Aspiration of the Olecranon Bursa: This is Necessary when fluid accumulates and causes swelling.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Characterized by pressure on the ulnar nerve, leading to pain and numbness.
Elbow Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, often due to repetitive motion or trauma.
Elbow Injuries & Inner Elbow Pain in Throwing Athletes: Common in sports involving overhead throwing motions.
Golfer’s Elbow: Caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons in the forearm.
Growth Plate Injuries of the Elbow: Particularly concerning in young athletes.
Little Leaguer’s Elbow (Medial Apophysitis): Affects young pitchers who throw frequently.
Olecranon Stress Fractures: These can occur from repetitive stress or impact.
Radial Tunnel Syndrome: Involves compression of the radial nerve, causing discomfort.
Tennis Elbow Treatment: Addresses lateral elbow pain due to overuse.
Tricep Pain & Tendonitis: Often results from strain or overuse.
UCL (Ulnar Collateral Ligament) Injuries: Common in athletes who perform repetitive overhead motions.
Valgus Extension Overload: Results from repetitive stress during throwing activities.

Understanding these conditions can help in identifying the specific type of injury or ailment affecting the elbow, allowing for more targeted treatment and care.

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.

Comprehensive Anatomy of the Elbow

The elbow joint is where the upper arm bone (humerus) meets the two forearm bones (radius and ulna). At the center of this connection lies the olecranon, the prominent bony point at the upper end of the ulna. This intricate structure is both a pivot and hinge joint, enabling you to bend, straighten, twist, and rotate your arm with ease.

Components of the Elbow Joint

Muscles: These provide the strength and movement required for various arm functions.
Ligaments: Essential for stability, they hold the bones of the joint together.
Nerves: Crucial for sensation and motor control, these nerves run through the joint area.
Tendons: Connect muscles to bones, allowing for the transmission of force.

The elbow joint is positioned directly under the skin, with limited protection from muscles or other soft tissues, making it somewhat vulnerable to injury. This unique combination of features ensures that the elbow remains a vital and complex component of our daily movements.

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.

What Steps Are Involved in the Surgical Treatment of a Hyperextended Elbow?

When faced with a hyperextended elbow that affects ligaments, tendons, or bones, surgery often becomes a necessary course of action. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what the surgical treatment involves:

Assessment and Preparation: Before heading into surgery, a thorough examination is carried out to assess the extent of the damage using imaging techniques like X-rays or MRIs. This helps surgeons plan the precise steps needed for the operation.
Surgical Procedure: During the surgery, the key objective is to repair and correctly align the injured structures. Surgeons meticulously fix the ligaments, tendons, or any fractured bones to ensure they can heal in the right position.
Immobilization Phase: Post-surgery, the arm is typically immobilized to protect the repaired areas and allow initial healing. The duration can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the specific procedure performed.
Physical Therapy: Once the immobilization phase is over, a tailored physical therapy program follows. This stage is crucial for regaining strength and mobility. The therapy focuses on gradually increasing joint flexibility and restoring the arm’s full range of motion.
Follow-up Care: Regular follow-up appointments are critical to monitor progress and ensure proper healing. Adjustments to the rehabilitation plan might be made based on recovery speed and individual needs.

Throughout this process, clear communication with your healthcare team ensures that each step is tailored to your specific condition and recovery goals.

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. During the surgical procedure, the damaged ligaments, tendons, or bones are repaired and repositioned, allowing them to heal correctly.

After surgery, the arm will need to be immobilized for a few weeks to ensure proper healing. This immobilization is crucial for the repaired parts to settle into their correct positions. 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. The combination of immobilization and guided rehabilitation exercises is essential to regain strength and mobility in the elbow.

Prevention

To prevent elbow hyperextension injury, actively practice proper form during contact sports and physical activities. A coach or instructor can assist in applying 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 Arlington, Dallas, Flower Mound, Frisco, and McKinney, TX.

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

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