Description Cut on the knee. La...
Description
Cut on the knee. Lacerations of the knee can be simple involving only the skin or complex with injury to tendons, nerves, blood vessels or the joint. With tendon lacerations there is weakness in the leg movement, and with nerve damage numbness is experienced beyond the laceration. Deep lacerations that invade the joint space can be serious since they can lead to an infection in the joint.
Symptoms
Laceration, bleeding, inability to flex or extend the knee, numbness.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests may include: testing of the nerve and tendon function and X-rays to rule out a foreign body.
Tests:
X-ray
Specialists:
Orthopedic Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests may include: testing of the nerve and tendon function and X-rays to rule out a foreign body.
Tests:
X-ray
Specialists:
Orthopedic Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care Medicine
Treatment
Simple lacerations require only a bandage or sutures (stitches) to close the skin. More complex lacerations may require repair of tendons, nerves and/or arteries. Lacerations that extend into the knee joint may require cleaning out of the joint in the operating room. Knee lacerations should be repaired within 12 hours to prevent infection. While waiting for treatment the laceration can be cleaned with water and covered with gauze or a clean cloth. Pressure on the wound can be applied to stop bleeding. If the bleeding is profuse seek medical attention right away. A tetanus booster may be needed if the last one was more than 5 years ago.