Post-Accident Knee Care: Recovery Tips After Stitches Removal

Care for Knee After Stitches from a Car Accident

Hello Doctor: It has been over two weeks since the car accident.
I had an X-ray at the hospital, and they said there were no abnormalities.
My right knee has a 10x10 cm abrasion and a 3 cm sutured wound above it, which the nurse mentioned was deep enough to see the fat layer.
The stitches were removed last Friday.
Additionally, there is a larger bruise on the inner thigh, along with some hematoma.
I would like to ask the doctor:
1.
My knee still cannot fully bend, and when squatting to about a 90-degree angle between my thigh and knee, I feel tightness.
I can see that my right knee is still somewhat swollen.
Is this normal? Do I need to go back to the hospital for a check-up? If not, what can I do to aid in recovery?
2.
I usually practice aerial yoga, which sometimes involves bending my knees and tying my legs.
Is it suitable for me to do aerial yoga in my current condition? Can I perform leg-tying movements given the hematoma and the condition of my right knee? If aerial yoga is not advisable right now, what alternative exercises would be more suitable?
3.
I found various products online for post-stitch wound care, such as scar gels, silicone tape, and silicone scar patches.
How should these products be used in combination to effectively reduce scar formation? Thank you, Doctor, for taking the time to respond!

Emily, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/12/17

Dr. Zhang Shuhao reply Surgery

1.
If the X-ray shows no fractures, you can still move, and the wound has healed and stitches have been removed, then it is likely just a contusion of the muscles and soft tissues.
During the acute phase, ice therapy and rest are recommended.
If there is minimal pain now, gentle exercises can be initiated, and rehabilitation can be performed to aid recovery.

2.
I am not very familiar with aerial yoga, but it may involve high-intensity muscle stretching and significant weight-bearing on the joints.
If there is still a hematoma, it may not be suitable.
Instead, you could consider doing flat yoga or engaging in gentler activities like walking or swimming.
3.
Once the wound has healed, you can initially use cosmetic tape or adhesive strips.
If the scar becomes more prominent later, you can then use scar gel.

Reply Date: 2023/12/17

More Info

Post-accident knee care is crucial for a smooth recovery, especially after experiencing significant trauma such as a car accident. Given your situation, where you have a contusion, a stitch removal, and some bruising, here are some detailed answers and recommendations for your recovery process.

1. Knee Flexibility and Swelling: It is not uncommon to experience difficulty in fully bending your knee and some swelling after an injury. The tightness you feel when trying to squat to a 90-degree angle may be due to residual swelling or stiffness in the soft tissues surrounding the knee. Since your X-ray did not show any fractures, the primary concern now is the healing of the soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons. If the swelling persists or worsens, or if you experience significant pain, it would be wise to consult your healthcare provider for a follow-up examination. In the meantime, you can help your recovery by engaging in gentle range-of-motion exercises. Start with simple movements like straightening and bending your knee while seated or lying down. Gradually increase the range as tolerated. Ice therapy can also help reduce swelling, especially after any activity.

2. Yoga and Physical Activity: Given your history of practicing aerial yoga, it’s essential to approach this with caution. Aerial yoga often involves movements that can put stress on the knee, especially if you are still experiencing bruising and swelling. It may be best to avoid any poses that require deep bending or twisting of the knee until you have regained more strength and flexibility. Instead, consider switching to gentler forms of yoga, such as restorative or chair yoga, which can help maintain flexibility without putting undue strain on your knee. Activities like walking, swimming, or stationary cycling can also be excellent alternatives to maintain fitness while allowing your knee to heal.

3. Scar Management: After stitches are removed, proper care of the incision site is essential to minimize scarring. Initially, you can use silicone gel sheets or silicone gel, which are known to help flatten and soften scars. These products can be applied once the skin has fully healed and there are no open wounds. You can start with silicone gel sheets for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the duration as tolerated. If you notice that the scar is becoming more pronounced after a few weeks, you can then introduce scar creams that contain ingredients like silicone, vitamin E, or onion extract. Always follow the instructions provided with these products, and consider consulting a dermatologist for personalized advice on scar management.

In summary, your recovery will involve a combination of gentle exercises to improve knee flexibility, careful selection of physical activities to avoid aggravating your injury, and diligent scar care to promote healing. Always listen to your body and consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or if your symptoms do not improve. With patience and proper care, you can expect a gradual return to your normal activities.

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