Synonyms
(Knee) contusion
Definition
The term “contusion” refers to damage to body tissue caused by external force. Typically, there are no visible skin lesions in the case of a contusion.
Introduction
A bruise on the knee is usually caused in the course of a fall. In addition, the impact of the knee against a rigid obstacle can lead to a bruise. In addition to the accident-related form, a bruise on the knee can also be caused as a result of physical violence.
Regardless of the underlying event, the bruise is always caused by an external force acting directly on the knee joint. Typically, no impairment of the skin surface can be observed in the affected patients. The actual traumatic event takes place below the skin surface in the case of a contusion.
Due to the enormous force applied to the knee, softer tissue is pressed against hard structures (such as bone or the joint capsule of the knee). In addition, some patients report that lateral shear forces have been applied to the knee joint. In these cases, there is a lateral displacement of the softer tissue along the bony joint structures.
Contusions are among the most common injuries that occur during sports activities. Of all possible localizations, a contusion is most frequently found in the area of the knee. Severe, stabbing pain and local swelling are among the typical symptoms of this disease. Although the symptoms caused by the trauma are quite similar in most of the affected patients, different forms of contusion can be distinguished.
Typical forms caused by sports accidents
Muscle contusion: This form of contusion at the knee results in a bruise between individual muscle fibers. Immediately after the traumatic event, the affected patients experience severe pain and significant limitations in mobility. Joint contusion: Joint contusion is the most common form of knee contusion.
In addition, the ankle and shoulder joints are particularly frequently affected. A joint contusion results in an effusion within the joint, which is associated with severe pain and restrictions of the joint function. Bone contusion: Bone contusions are extremely rare in the area of the knee.
This form occurs mainly in places that are only covered by a thin layer of skin. Typical locations of bone contusions are the tibia and the kneecap. In this case, the bruise caused by the external force is located directly between the bone and the periosteum. Due to the high nerve density in this area, the bruise is considered particularly painful. Typically, however, the symptoms felt by the affected person subside relatively quickly.
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