Offering Surgery for a Hyperextended Elbow in Northern California
When the elbow joint overextends or bends backward beyond its normal limits, hyperextension occurs. Hyperextension can damage tissues in and around the elbow joint, including cartilage and ligaments. Elbow surgery for hyperextension can help preserve elbow function and prevent long-term disability by repairing the damage and stabilizing the joint.
If you have hyperextended your elbow, you can Find a Doctor at Dignity Health North State to provide the personalized treatment you need. Our orthopedic and hand surgeons provide elbow surgery for all types of elbow injuries, including a hyperextended elbow, in Northern California.
When is Elbow Surgery for Hyperextension Recommended?
The symptoms of elbow hyperextension injuries can include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Discoloration
- Weakness of the joint
- Deformity
- Tingling or numbness below the joint
In most cases, hyperextension injuries respond to ice, compression, immobilization, and rest. Some hyperextension cases are more severe and include damage to ligaments or other tissues, such as the blood vessels, nerves, and bones. In these instances, surgery is required to make repairs to the damaged tissue and fully restore joint stability.
Repeated hyperextension can also be treated with surgery. Some people experience frequent hyperextension of the joints because they are born with more looseness in their ligaments than normal. Because loose joints are more mobile, the risk of hyperextension is greater.
What to Expect During Elbow Hyperextension Surgery at Dignity Health North State
Elbow surgery for hyperextension may take place in a Dignity Health hospital or medical center. Open elbow surgery involves a larger incision, while arthroscopic elbow surgery is less invasive, has a shorter recovery period, and a lower risk of complications. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of your options.
Recovering from Elbow Surgery for Hyperextension
Minimally invasive procedures are usually performed on an outpatient basis, which means you will be able to go home the same day. For more involved surgeries, your doctor may suggest an overnight stay following your procedure.
Full recovery can take several weeks to months. In the meantime, you will likely wear a splint to immobilize the joint while your elbow heals. Physical therapy will help strengthen the joint, prevent recurrences, and speed your recovery.
To learn more about surgery for hyperextension of the elbow, talk to one of our expert orthopedic specialists today. We are here to answer all your questions with respect and humankindness, so you can feel confident in your treatment plan.
Dignity Health North State offers complete care for elbow injuries, including arthroscopic and open elbow surgery for hyperextension, in Mt. Shasta, Red Bluff, and Redding, CA.