hyperextension

Hyperextension refers to movement in which a joint is extended beyond its normal straightened position, surpassing the body’s typical end range of motion. It can involve any joint but occurs most commonly at the knee, elbow, fingers, and neck. While hyperextension can be part of certain athletic maneuvers, it may also result from an excessive external force or awkward landing, potentially injuring soft tissues or altering joint stability. When the joint is forced into hyperextension, structures such as ligaments, the joint capsule, cartilage, or, in some cases, bone can be damaged.

Commonly affected joints and mechanisms include the knee, where genu recurvatum describes a backward bend beyond neutral; the elbow, where anterior capsule and ligament injuries may occur; and small finger joints, which can suffer from collateral ligament sprains. Hyperextension injuries may be isolated or accompany other injuries such as meniscal tears, ligament sprains, or fractures, depending on the joint involved and the force applied.

Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, tenderness along the joint, instability or a feeling of looseness, and limited function or range of motion. Diagnosis is based on clinical examination and history; imaging such as X-ray is used to exclude fractures, while MRI may assess ligamentous or soft-tissue injury.

Treatment usually starts with rest, ice, compression, and elevation for acute cases, followed by gradual return to activity, NSAIDs for pain, and, when appropriate, immobilization or bracing. Physical therapy focuses on restoring range of motion, strength, and proprioception. Prognosis varies with severity; recurrent hyperextension can lead to chronic instability. Prevention emphasizes proper conditioning, neuromuscular training, adequate warm-up, technique refinement, and protective equipment.