Knee Issues After a Car Accident: Should You Get Rechecked?

Knee issues after a car accident?

Hello doctor, two years ago I had a car accident where my left knee directly hit the ground and I scraped off a layer of skin.
At that time, the X-ray showed no significant issues.
Although I don't experience pain now, whenever I run or jump, I feel a slipping sensation in my knee that can lead to falls.
Additionally, when sitting cross-legged, there is a noticeable bump in the bend of my left knee.
Should I get this re-evaluated? If I don't get it checked, could it lead to future knee problems?

Tina, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/04/28

Dr. Li Yongheng reply Orthopedics

Hello, based on your symptoms, it is possible that you have a posterior cruciate ligament injury causing knee joint instability.
Therefore, I recommend that you visit an orthopedic clinic for an examination, and an MRI may be necessary.
If you do not undergo an examination and indeed have a posterior cruciate ligament injury leading to knee joint instability, it could result in degenerative issues in the knee joint in the future.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2018/04/28

More Info

After a car accident, especially one that involved direct trauma to the knee, it is crucial to monitor any ongoing symptoms or changes in function. In your case, the fact that you experienced a scraping injury and have had persistent sensations of instability or "slipping" in the knee, along with the presence of a bump in the flexed area, warrants further evaluation.

Even though initial X-rays indicated no significant damage, it is possible that soft tissue injuries, such as ligament sprains or meniscus tears, may not be visible on X-rays. These types of injuries can lead to ongoing instability, pain, and functional limitations, particularly during activities like running or jumping. The sensation of your knee feeling like it might "slip" could indicate issues with the ligaments that stabilize the knee joint, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or the medial collateral ligament (MCL).
The bump you described could be a sign of a few different conditions. It might be a benign condition like a Baker's cyst, which is a fluid-filled sac that can develop behind the knee, or it could be related to a more serious issue such as a loose body within the joint or a meniscal tear. These conditions can lead to further complications if left untreated, including chronic pain, increased risk of osteoarthritis, and further instability.

Given these considerations, it is advisable to seek a re-evaluation from a healthcare professional, preferably an orthopedic specialist. They may recommend advanced imaging studies, such as an MRI, which can provide a more detailed view of the soft tissues in your knee, including ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.
In summary, while you may not be experiencing pain currently, the symptoms you describe suggest that there could be underlying issues that need to be addressed. Ignoring these symptoms could lead to long-term consequences, including chronic instability and potential degeneration of the knee joint. Therefore, a follow-up examination is strongly recommended to ensure that your knee is healthy and to prevent any future complications.

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