Knee Injury After Car Accident: Pain and Recovery

Knee injury from a car accident?

Hello doctor, I was in a car accident on the morning of June 30th and went to the hospital because my right knee was swollen like a bun and painful when standing.
The emergency X-ray showed no bone injury! The CT scan also indicated no ligament damage.
That day, I was advised to ice the knee for 48 hours, followed by heat therapy, which I followed.
On July 7th, during a follow-up visit, the doctor aspirated the hematoma from my knee and found a blood clot, which required surgery.
After the surgery, I thought the soft feeling in my knee was due to tissue fluid, but on the afternoon of July 14th, during another follow-up, the doctor pressed on it and decided to aspirate more blood, taking three and a half vials.
The doctor mentioned that if there is still a hematoma, I might need another surgery to place a drainage tube, or I could come in weekly for aspiration! Why did I start feeling pain after the blood was aspirated? Is it normal to feel pain after the aspiration of a hematoma? There are sutures from the removal of the blood clot, and there are still two slightly hard areas on my right knee; is this normal?

Ms. Hua, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/07/17

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics

Hello,
1.
If it is confirmed that the bones and ligaments are not injured, but there is still recurrent hematoma, it is very likely that there is a hematoma in the prepatellar bursa.

2.
If there is a hematoma in the prepatellar bursa, simply using aspiration may not provide a permanent solution.

3.
Why do I start to feel pain after the aspiration? This may be due to initial swelling, which can make the area less sensitive to pain.

Reply Date: 2020/07/17

More Info

After a car accident, knee injuries can lead to a variety of complications, including pain, swelling, and the accumulation of blood or fluid in the joint. Your experience, as described, highlights several important aspects of knee injuries and their recovery process.

Firstly, it's crucial to understand that even if initial imaging studies like X-rays and CT scans do not show any fractures or ligament injuries, this does not rule out the possibility of soft tissue damage. Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments can occur without visible damage to the bones. In your case, the swelling and pain you experienced immediately after the accident were likely due to soft tissue trauma and possibly a hematoma (a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels) forming in the knee joint.

The fact that your knee was swollen to the point of resembling a "steamed bun" indicates significant inflammation, which can be a response to injury. The recommendation to ice the knee initially was appropriate, as ice can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. After 48 hours, transitioning to heat can promote blood flow and healing, but it's essential to monitor how your knee responds to these treatments.

The need for aspiration (removing fluid) from your knee is not uncommon in cases of significant swelling. The presence of blood clots in the joint after your surgery suggests that there was ongoing bleeding or fluid accumulation, which can happen after trauma or surgical procedures. The extraction of blood from the knee can indeed cause temporary discomfort or pain, especially if the area is already inflamed or if the procedure itself causes irritation to the surrounding tissues.

Regarding your question about the pain after aspiration, it is not unusual to feel increased discomfort following the procedure. The knee joint is sensitive, and any manipulation can lead to temporary pain. Additionally, the presence of sutures from the surgery can also contribute to discomfort as the tissues heal. The "hard" areas you feel on your knee may be related to swelling, scar tissue formation, or residual hematoma. These sensations can be normal during the recovery phase, but they should be monitored.

If you continue to experience significant pain, swelling, or if the accumulation of blood persists, it is essential to follow up with your orthopedic surgeon. They may consider further imaging studies or interventions, such as placing a drain if fluid accumulation continues to be an issue.
In terms of recovery, physical therapy is often recommended after knee injuries to restore range of motion, strength, and function. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises tailored to your specific needs, helping to alleviate pain and improve mobility. It's also vital to listen to your body; if certain movements cause pain, it may indicate that you need to adjust your rehabilitation approach.

In summary, while some pain and discomfort after knee aspiration can be expected, ongoing or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional. Recovery from knee injuries can be a gradual process, and it is essential to engage in appropriate rehabilitation while maintaining open communication with your healthcare team.

Similar Q&A

Knee Pain After Car Accident: Causes and Recovery Options

Hello, Doctor! Two years ago, I injured my right knee below the kneecap in a car accident. At that time, I had an X-ray, but the doctor did not provide me with a diagnosis. Since then, whenever I engage in vigorous exercise, I experience pain on the inner side of my right knee. N...

Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question: Based on your description, it is quite difficult to make a definitive conclusion. I personally recommend that you consult an orthopedic specialist for a detailed examination. The causes of inner knee pain may include 1. medial plica syndrome, ...

Knee Healing Issues After Car Accident: Possible Ligament Injury?

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about an incident that occurred at the end of last month. I was in a car accident and only sustained abrasions on both knees. However, after the accident and before making contact with the ground, it seemed that there was an abnormal range of mo...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
When you refer to injuring a tendon, are you talking about a tendon or ligament? Typically, an injury to a tendon can lead to impaired joint movement or muscle weakness. On the other hand, an injury to a ligament can cause joint pain or instability. Based on your symptom descript...

Post-Car Accident Pain: Understanding Knee and Thigh Discomfort

One week after the car accident, I experience pain at the junction of my knee and thigh when walking, stretching, or bending over to put on socks. I also feel an imbalance while walking. At the time of the accident, I had a bruise on the upper right side of my thigh, and I felt s...

Dr. Zheng Shunping reply Physical Fitness
Hello: In response to your question... Based on your description, it seems there are issues with the hip joint, thigh muscles, and knee. A rehabilitation physician or an orthopedic surgeon can provide an appropriate assessment. After determining the cause, you can receive suitabl...

Knee Pain When Kneeling After Car Accident: Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor: I was in a car accident in early May and my left foot was run over by a motorcycle. At that time, an X-ray showed no bone injuries. Later, the doctor advised me not to stand for long periods. Currently, I do not experience pain while standing or squatting, but I do ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
It is possible to see an orthopedic specialist if there is a suspicion of soft tissue contusion or injury to the patella due to a car accident.