Injury to Knee and Thigh: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help

Knee and thigh issues?

Recently, I fell on the road and my left knee and left thigh collided forcefully with a rock, accompanied by a cracking sound.
After that, I was in so much pain that I couldn't stand up.
After struggling to get up, I noticed a 2 cm indentation on the right side of my left knee, and both my right and left thighs appeared to be bent.
Additionally, there is a bruise about 3 cm in size on my left knee, and bruises approximately 4 cm in size on both my right and left thighs.
Touching these areas causes severe pain and a tingling sensation, and I feel like there are fragments inside.
Walking is extremely painful, and I hear cracking sounds from both my knee and thigh.
Occasionally, I experience weakness in my legs or a feeling of collapse, as if my knee and thigh are giving way, which is accompanied by severe pain and numbness, making it difficult to walk normally.
I also noticed that the lengths of my legs appear to be different.
1.
What could have happened or what might be the issue?
2.
Will I need surgery?
3.
Recently, my left knee, left thigh, and right thigh have started to swell and are painful.
Should I consider amputation?
4.
Where should I seek medical attention?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/31

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

1.
For joint contusions, it is important to check for fractures.
If there are no fractures, surgery is not necessary.

2.
Amputation is only required if the limb is necrotic; if blood circulation is good, amputation is not needed.

3.
Seek treatment at an orthopedic department in the hospital.

Reply Date: 2022/08/31

More Info

Based on your description of the injury to your left knee and thighs, it sounds like you may have sustained significant trauma, potentially involving fractures, ligament injuries, or damage to the meniscus. The symptoms you are experiencing, such as the audible "pop," the indentation on the side of your knee, the bruising, and the pain with movement, are concerning and warrant immediate medical attention.

1. Possible Injuries: The symptoms you describe suggest that you may have experienced a knee dislocation, ligament tears (such as the anterior cruciate ligament or ACL), or meniscal tears. The indentation in your knee could indicate a possible fracture or dislocation of the patella (kneecap) or other structures in the knee joint. The bruising indicates bleeding under the skin, which can occur with soft tissue injuries or fractures. The "crunching" or "popping" sounds you hear when moving your knee may be due to loose fragments of cartilage or bone, which can occur with severe injuries.

2. Surgical Intervention: Whether or not you need surgery depends on the specific injuries identified through imaging studies such as X-rays or an MRI. If there are fractures, significant ligament tears, or if the knee is unstable, surgical intervention may be necessary to restore function and stability. In cases of meniscal tears, surgery may also be indicated, especially if the tear is causing locking or significant pain.

3. Amputation Concerns: The need for amputation is extremely rare and would only be considered in the most severe cases where the limb is irreparably damaged or if there is a life-threatening infection. Given your symptoms of swelling and pain, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly to assess the extent of your injuries and to prevent complications.

4. Where to Seek Medical Help: You should seek immediate medical attention at an emergency room or urgent care facility. Given the severity of your symptoms, it is important to have a thorough evaluation by an orthopedic specialist. They will likely perform physical examinations and imaging studies to determine the exact nature of your injuries and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

In the meantime, it is advisable to keep the injured leg elevated, apply ice to reduce swelling, and avoid putting weight on it until you can be seen by a medical professional. Pain management can be addressed with over-the-counter medications, but be sure to consult with a healthcare provider regarding what is safe for you, especially if you have any allergies or contraindications.

In summary, your symptoms indicate a potentially serious injury that requires prompt evaluation and treatment. Do not delay seeking medical care, as early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

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