Had A Knee Surgery To Remove Cysts, Awaiting Knee Replacement. A Deeply Bruised Knee Cause To Concern?

Posted on Fri, 6 Jan 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 Answered on

Sat, 23 Jun 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I am a 44 year old woman. In 2010 i had knee surgery to remove some cysts. My knee never fully recovered and i am now awaiting a total knee replacement of that knee. Over the past 3 days i have had a very painful left knee and it is my kneecap that is actually very sore. I am Aboriginal so it is very hard to see, but i have a very large, round bruise that is covering my whole kneecap. I am not sure how tall i am. I have recently lost 16kgs as suggested by the ortho doctor to help with the knees. I now weigh 75kgs. Hoping you can help me as i am unable to get into see my doctor today.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (-4 hours later)

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
A very painful knee cap with an overlying bruise could be due to a knee inflammation associated with a bleeding disorder or hematoma.
A physical examination and tests like MRI will help in finding out any soft tissue damage involved.
While you are waiting to see your orthopedician you can start taking a mild pain killer like ibuprofen- motrin. You can also do a hot fomentation of the joint and avoid bearing weight on the affected joint at all costs.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D