Why Can't I Bend My Knee After a Recent Injury? - Orthopedics

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After a recent injury, particularly one involving a significant event like a car accident, it's not uncommon to experience difficulties with knee mobility, such as an inability to fully bend the knee. In your case, having sustained a 3 cm laceration that required stitches, there are several factors that could contribute to your current symptoms.

Firstly, the pain you are experiencing when attempting to bend your knee beyond 90 degrees could be attributed to several potential issues. One possibility is that the injury has led to soft tissue damage surrounding the knee joint, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Even if the external wound appears to be healing well, internal structures may still be inflamed or irritated, leading to pain during movement. This is particularly relevant if there was any underlying trauma to the knee joint itself during the accident, which may not have been immediately apparent.

Another factor to consider is the phenomenon known as "joint stiffness" or "arthrofibrosis," which can occur after an injury. Following trauma, the body often responds with inflammation, which can lead to swelling and a feeling of tightness in the joint. This stiffness can make it difficult to achieve a full range of motion. The fact that you have been hesitant to bend your knee due to pain may have also contributed to this stiffness, as the lack of movement can lead to further tightening of the surrounding tissues.

Additionally, the pain localized to the upper left side of your knee could indicate that the injury has affected the patellar tendon or the quadriceps muscle, which are crucial for knee flexion. If these structures are strained or inflamed, they can cause significant discomfort when attempting to bend the knee.

It's also worth noting that psychological factors can play a role in recovery. After an injury, especially one as traumatic as a car accident, individuals may develop a fear of movement due to the pain experienced during the initial injury. This fear can lead to guarded movements and avoidance behaviors, which can further exacerbate stiffness and limit mobility.

Given that it has been two weeks since your injury and you are still experiencing significant pain and limited range of motion, it would be advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI, to assess for any internal injuries that may not have been visible on initial examination. Additionally, physical therapy could be beneficial in helping you regain strength and flexibility in your knee. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises designed to improve your range of motion and reduce pain, while also addressing any psychological barriers to movement.

In summary, the inability to fully bend your knee after a recent injury can be due to a combination of soft tissue damage, joint stiffness, and possibly psychological factors. It is important to seek further evaluation to determine the exact cause of your symptoms and to develop an appropriate treatment plan to facilitate your recovery.