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What is Hyperextension Injury of the Elbow?

Hyperextension injury of the elbow occurs when the elbow joint is bent beyond its normal range of motion, causing damage to the bones and ligaments of the elbow. It may also cause elbow dislocation. The condition is more common in tennis, football, weightlifting and contact sports.

Symptoms

Patients with a hyperextension injury of the elbow often experience a popping sound, followed by instant pain. Other symptoms include:

  • Pain when moving or touching your elbow
  • Swelling or stiffness in the injured elbow
  • Loss of arm and elbow strength
  • Muscle spasms in the biceps

Diagnosis

Your doctor will evaluate the injury by reviewing your medical history, performing a thorough physical examination and ordering X-rays to rule out any fractures. MRI and CT scans will help detect any soft tissue damage.

Treatments

Your doctor will first recommend conservative treatment options. These may include:

  • Limit use and rest the elbow from activities that worsen symptoms.
  • Braces may be ordered to decrease stress on the injured tissues.
  • Ice packs applied to the elbow can reduce swelling.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications may be ordered to treat swelling and discomfort.
  • Physiotherapy may be ordered to promote stretching and strengthening, once symptoms have decreased.

If conservative treatment options fail to resolve the condition or your elbow is severely fractured or torn, surgery may be recommended. Following surgery, you are referred to physiotherapy to improve the range of motion and strength of your joint.

  • NHS
  • The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
  • 
British Elbow & Shoulder Society
  • Swor and D

Hospitals Attended

  • Stratford Hospital

    South Warwickshire
    NHS Foundation Trust
    Arden St, Stratford-upon-Avon,
    CV37 6NX
    Driving Directions
    NHS Secretary: Phae Maxwell

    Ext 4798
  • Nuffield Health
    Warwickshire Hospital

    The Chase, Old Milverton Lane
    Leamington Spa
    CV32 6RW
    Driving Directions
    Private Secretary: Becky Wyatt

  • Warwick Hospital

    South Warwickshire
    NHS Foundation Trust
    Lakin Road, Warwick,
    CV34 5BW
    Driving Directions
    NHS Secretary: Phae Maxwell

    Ext 4798
  • The Grafton Suite,
    Building One

    Stratford Hospital, Arden Street
    Stratford-upon-Avon
    CV37 6NX
    Driving Directions
    Private Secretary: Becky Wyatt

  • The Cherwell Hospital

    Oxford Rd, Banbury
    OX16 9FG
    Driving Directions
    Private Secretary: Becky Wyatt

    (NHS)

    (Private)
  • Spire Parkway (Solihull)

    1 Damson Pkwy,
    Solihull B91 2PP,
    United Kingdom
    Driving Directions
    Private Secretary: Becky Wyatt

  • South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
  • Nuffield Health
  • 
The Grafton Suite - South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
  • Swor and D
  • Swor and D