Post-Car Accident Knee Issues: When to Seek Further Medical Imaging?

The car accident resulted in abnormal knee function?

Hello, Doctor! It has been about two months since the car accident, and I am currently walking normally.
However, my right knee is still slightly more swollen than my left knee, and I am unable to fully bend my right knee.
When lying down, my heel cannot touch my buttocks, and sitting cross-legged is painful.
On the day of the accident, I had X-rays and an ultrasound, both of which showed no issues with the bones, and there were no problems with the cruciate ligaments or meniscus.
Since it has been two months and I have not fully recovered, I am quite worried! Should I go to a major hospital for a CT scan or MRI? Or should I just wait for a gradual recovery? Thank you, Doctor!

Vance, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/11/03

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

You can go for rehabilitation to see if you can recover.
If the initial examination shows no issues, there is no need for further testing unless there are instability or other problems.
Generally, it takes about three to six months for a knee joint injury to fully heal.

Reply Date: 2015/11/03

More Info

After a car accident, it is not uncommon to experience lingering knee issues, even if initial imaging studies like X-rays and ultrasounds show no obvious fractures or damage to the ligaments and cartilage. Your symptoms of swelling, limited range of motion, and pain when attempting to bend your knee are concerning and warrant further investigation.

Given that two months have passed since your accident and you are still experiencing significant discomfort and functional limitations, it is advisable to seek further medical imaging. While X-rays are excellent for detecting fractures, they do not provide detailed information about soft tissue injuries, such as those involving ligaments, tendons, or cartilage. An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is the preferred imaging modality for assessing soft tissue injuries and can provide a clearer picture of any underlying issues that may not have been visible on your initial scans.

The fact that your knee is still swollen and you cannot fully bend it suggests that there may be residual soft tissue damage, such as a sprain or strain of the ligaments, or even a meniscal tear. These types of injuries can lead to chronic pain and instability if not properly diagnosed and treated. An MRI can help identify any tears or other abnormalities in the ligaments or cartilage, which could explain your ongoing symptoms.

In addition to imaging, it is also important to consider a comprehensive evaluation by an orthopedic specialist. They can perform a physical examination to assess the stability of your knee and the integrity of the surrounding structures. This assessment can help determine the best course of action, whether it be physical therapy, further imaging, or possibly surgical intervention if a significant injury is identified.

While it is tempting to wait for symptoms to resolve on their own, doing so can sometimes lead to further complications. Chronic knee issues can develop if underlying problems are not addressed, potentially leading to long-term pain and decreased function. Therefore, it is better to be proactive in seeking further evaluation.

In summary, given your ongoing symptoms and the time elapsed since your accident, I strongly recommend that you pursue further imaging, such as an MRI, to rule out any significant soft tissue injuries. Additionally, consulting with an orthopedic specialist will provide you with a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan to facilitate your recovery. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes and help you return to your normal activities more quickly.

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