Indentations in the Lower Leg After a Motorcycle Accident

Depression on the anterior medial side of the lower leg after a car accident?

Hello Doctor, I was in a car accident on July 14, 2016, where my left foot was caught between a motorcycle and a car.
At that time, I only sustained a minor crush injury and was able to walk, so I did not seek medical attention.
The bruised area only had slight pain upon pressure.
However, the injured area is located about 4 centimeters below the inner side of my knee on the front of my calf, and there is a small indentation.
There is no pain when pressed, and I do not experience pain while walking.
What could this issue be? Do I need to seek medical treatment? Thank you.

Ms. Hsu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/07/17

Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery

I apologize, but it is difficult to determine the cause of your indentation based solely on a textual description without an actual physical examination.
I recommend that you visit an orthopedic outpatient clinic for evaluation.
It may even be necessary to obtain X-rays to assist in the diagnosis to determine if any treatment is needed.

Reply Date: 2016/07/17

More Info

After a motorcycle accident, it is not uncommon to experience various physical changes and symptoms, including indentations or depressions in the skin or underlying tissue. In your case, the indentation located on the inner side of your lower leg, approximately four centimeters below the knee, could be attributed to several factors related to the injury you sustained during the accident.

Firstly, the indentation may be a result of soft tissue injury. When a body part is subjected to trauma, such as being pinched between a motorcycle and a car, the soft tissues (muscles, fat, and skin) can be compressed or damaged. This compression can lead to localized swelling or bruising, which may later resolve but leave behind a depression in the tissue. The fact that you do not experience pain upon pressing the area and can walk without discomfort suggests that there is no significant damage to the underlying structures, such as bones or major blood vessels.

Another possibility is that the indentation could be due to a loss of fat or muscle tissue in that specific area. Trauma can sometimes lead to atrophy of the surrounding muscles, especially if the area was immobilized or not used as much following the injury. This can create a noticeable difference in contour, leading to the appearance of a depression.

Additionally, it is essential to consider the possibility of scar tissue formation. If the injury resulted in any skin damage or deeper tissue injury, scar tissue could develop as the body heals. Scar tissue can sometimes have a different texture and elasticity compared to the surrounding tissue, which might contribute to the appearance of an indentation.

While the absence of pain and the ability to walk normally are positive signs, it is still advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. A physician can perform a physical examination and may recommend imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to assess the underlying structures and ensure there are no hidden injuries, such as ligament damage or issues with the knee joint.

In summary, the indentation in your lower leg could be due to soft tissue injury, muscle atrophy, or scar tissue formation resulting from the trauma of the motorcycle accident. While it may not require immediate medical intervention, a professional evaluation can provide peace of mind and ensure that there are no underlying issues that need to be addressed. If you notice any changes in the area, such as increased pain, swelling, or changes in mobility, it would be prudent to seek medical attention sooner rather than later.

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