Knee Lacerations: Recovery, Symptoms, and Care Tips

There is a laceration on the knee?

Hello Dr.
Chang,
My mother (60 years old) fell off her bike last Thursday and has a horizontal wound about 10 centimeters long on her knee.
She received 12 stitches in the emergency department of Hospital A.
I would like to ask:
1.
My mother says her knee does not hurt at all to this day, only has a tingling sensation.
Could this indicate any complications?
2.
The bruising on her knee has been extending towards her thigh, but there is no expansion of bruising on her calf; there is only slight swelling near the calf area.
What is the best way to treat the bruising? Should she apply heat or use another method?
3.
The wound has not had the stitches removed yet.
When is it appropriate to remove the stitches?

win33212, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/09/01

Dr. Zhang Shengben reply Orthopedics

1.
The tingling sensation is due to small nerve injuries, which often require a longer time to heal.
2.
A bruise is a hematoma that spreads under the skin; it should be treated with warm compresses and an increased intake of vitamin C-rich foods.
3.
The knee is a joint with a wide range of motion, and the stitches should generally be removed within 10 to 14 days.

Reply Date: 2008/09/01

More Info

Hello, thank you for reaching out with your questions regarding your mother's knee laceration. It's important to address these concerns comprehensively, especially considering her age and the nature of the injury.
1. Numbness and Potential Aftereffects: The numbness your mother is experiencing could be due to nerve irritation or damage that occurred during the fall or as a result of the injury. While it's a positive sign that she is not experiencing pain, persistent numbness should be monitored. If it continues or worsens, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. Nerve injuries can sometimes resolve on their own, but in some cases, they may require further evaluation or treatment.

2. Bruising and Swelling Management: The bruising extending towards the thigh is likely a result of blood pooling due to gravity and the nature of the injury. This is common after trauma and can take time to resolve. To help with the bruising, it's generally recommended to apply ice packs to the area for the first 48 hours post-injury to reduce swelling and minimize bruising. After this initial period, heat can be applied to promote blood flow and healing. However, if the swelling in the lower leg persists or worsens, it is crucial to seek medical advice to rule out complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

3. Suture Removal Timing: Typically, stitches are removed about 7 to 14 days after the procedure, depending on the type of sutures used and the healing progress. Since your mother had 12 stitches, it is likely that they can be removed within this timeframe, but this should be confirmed by the healthcare provider who performed the suturing. It's essential to keep the wound clean and dry until the stitches are removed to prevent infection.

In addition to these points, here are some general care tips for your mother’s recovery:
- Wound Care: Ensure that the wound is kept clean and dry. Follow any specific instructions given by the healthcare provider regarding cleaning and dressing changes.

- Activity Modification: Encourage her to avoid putting too much weight on the injured leg until she receives clearance from her doctor. If she experiences any increase in pain, swelling, or changes in sensation, she should seek medical attention promptly.

- Pain Management: Since she is not experiencing pain, over-the-counter pain relievers may not be necessary. However, if she does start to feel discomfort, medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used, provided she has no contraindications to these medications.

- Follow-Up Care: Schedule a follow-up appointment with her healthcare provider to assess the healing process and discuss any ongoing symptoms, such as the numbness or swelling.

- Physical Activity: Once the stitches are removed and if her doctor approves, gentle range-of-motion exercises can be beneficial to prevent stiffness and promote healing.
In summary, while the absence of pain is a good sign, the numbness should be monitored. Bruising is common after such injuries, and appropriate care can help manage it. Finally, follow-up care is crucial to ensure proper healing and address any complications that may arise. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

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