Knee locked; "bone bruise" but no meniscus tear?

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My teenage son is in real pain with his knee which will not bend or straighten and is almost 6 weeks of not being able to walk. MRI scan indicates it's a "bone bruise", (no ligament or meniscus damage) Specialist (a shoulder Specialist!?) told him get off those crutches and use it. He says he physically can't. He's in real pain and not sleeping either. I think the specialist hasn't factored in that lower limbs are weight bearing and you can't just take it easy on the limb for a while. Physio appointment not until next Friday. What can we do meanwhile besides ice, painkillers etc? How do you heal a bone bruise?

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2 Replies

  • Posted

    HELLO, I have two grandchildren that recently have each gotten a bone bruise. O from an auto accident the other in a soccer game. Both of their ortho doctors said that a bone bruise is worse than a break for healing. I takes longer. My grandsons knee has a slight fracture and his dr has had him on crutches for 6 weeks so far, he's not concerned hes not walking on it yet. He' s more concerned he'll be healthy in the future. He also icing it a lot. Maybe another DR opinion would help. I hope all goes well.

  • Posted

    Jenny, teenagers DO NOT want to be unable to walk etc. He needs a knee specialist opinion. I had a MRI which showed a focal cartilage defect after a spontaneous collapse of my L knee with no prior pain at all. I was just walking through a doorway.

    I was referred to a knee specialist for an arthroscopy. I woke up from surgery with a massive ice brace and told my meniscus had completely detached (posterior horn) and was reconstructed. My surgeon seemed excited to be telling me it was a rare injury and all he did to repair it. I am a former snow ski instructor and have had many surgeries.

    My point is MRI's don't tell you everything.

    I'd insist on an arthroscopy. It's minor surgery, and his young knee is MORE important than anything.!!

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