Knee injuries may impact tendons, ligaments, joints, bones, cartilage, ligaments, and fluid-filled sacs surrounding the knee. Here are some typical knee injuries people sustain in a slip and fall accident.
Abrasion - Serious scrapes can occur when you hit a surface such as cement or asphalt. If minor, it can be treated at home. However, significant and deep abrasions that cause bleeding may require medical treatment.
Laceration - If you fall on something sharp like metal or glass, it can cut a hole or puncture the skin, which may require medical attention. Suppose a rusty object breaches the skin layers. In that case, you could be at risk for tetanus and should go to a physician immediately.
Contusion - Bruising is common after you sustain a knee injury due to a slip and fall accident. A hard impact often causes blood vessels to leak, which causes the flesh to appear black and blue. While painful, bruises can typically be treated with ice packs, the elevation of the affected limb, and rest.
Sprains - It's common to sprain your knee during a slip-and-fall incident because the ligaments can be overstretched. While sprains can be treated at home like contusions, you should visit a doctor if you have severe pain or significant swelling and are having difficulty moving your knee.
ACL injury - A tear in any of the four ligaments that join your shinbone to your thighbone is an ACL injury. Surgery is frequently required to mend a torn ligament. Failure to adequately treat this injury can lead to chronic pain and loss of function.
Fractures - Bones in the knees, like the kneecap, can be broken during a fall. Individuals that suffer from conditions such as osteoporosis are at higher risk.
Torn meniscus - The meniscus acts as a shock absorber and is a tough, rubbery cartilage located between the shinbone and thighbone. It is susceptible to tear when it bears weight, and you suddenly twist, such as in a slip-and-fall accident. While some injuries of this nature can be treated without surgery, if you experience persistent pain with swelling, surgery may be required.
Knee bursitis - Inflammation of the bursae can sometimes occur with specific kinds of knee injuries. The bursae are the small sacs of fluid that cushion the outside of the knee joint, enabling tendons and ligaments to glide easily over the joint.
Patellar tendonitis - A sudden, direct impact to the front of the knee can result in patellar tendonitis, which is inflammation and micro tears of one or more tendons.
Knee dislocation - While rare, a dislocated knee requires immediate medical attention to avert complications like nerve and blood vessel damage.