Signs of Knee laceration (Skin cut)

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 very serious since they can cause an infection in the joint.

Symptoms

Laceration, inability to flex or extend the knee, numbness.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests include: testing of the nerve and tendon function and X-rays to rule out a foreign body.

Standard Workup

X-Ray

Treatment

Simple lacerations require only closure of 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 running water and covered with gauze or a clean cloth. Pressure on the wound can be applied to stop bleeding. If the bleeding is profuse consider calling 911. A tetanus shot may be needed if the last shot was more than 5 years for a dirty wound or more than 10 years for a clean wound.