KNEE HYPEREXTENSION

Knee hyperextension: a tear in one of the ligaments in the knee

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Pain behind the knee and on the sides
• Patients will often hear or feel a pop at the time of the injury
• Swelling usually occurs after injury occurs
• Patients will also struggle walking or putting pressure on it

Untitled Slide

MECHANISMS OF INJURY

• Hyperextension occurs when pressure is placed on the knee and bends it backwards past its normal straight position

MECHANISMS OF INJURY

• Knee hyper extension is most commonly seen in gymnastics, basketball and volleyball
• There can be a direct and indirect cause of the injury

DIAGNOSING

• The doctors perform a physical examination
• The doctor will first do a ROM test moving the leg backward and forward
• They will also be checking for visible bruising or swelling

SPECIAL TESTS

• If they suspect a hyperextension the doctor will call for a MRI and or X-rays
• These are only needed if they think surgery may be needed

For an athlete to return to play they need to go through rehab, which consists of stretching & exercising to strength and ROMk

Untitled Slide