HomeAnswersOrthopedician and Traumatologyfat necrosisWhat causes dents in kneecap?

What can be the reason for the dent in my kneecap?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Atul Prakash

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At November 18, 2017
Reviewed AtAugust 8, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I was run over by a car four months ago. I got an MRI and the doctors said all my ligaments and meniscus look fine. However, my kneecap is dented in, slightly swollen above the cap. If I overuse my knee, the whole leg swells. I have been going to wound care doctors for four months for this. I have constant pain shoot up to my hip and every five to 10 minutes the knee burns and starts shooting pain all over to the point where I want to cry. I cannot feel the pain on the skin and the meat on the right side of my left knee but it still hurts when I move. I have attached the films for your reference. Is there anything else that can be wrong with it? I feel the doctor has not correctly diagnosed the condition.

Answered by Dr. Atul Prakash

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have seen the films (attachment removed to protect patient identity). With the type of bruising that the first picture shows, it is a miracle that your MRI is normal. The dent on the skin close to the patella is due to fat necrosis and may persist. As far as the pain is concerned, I suggest you should have been put on Pregabalin 75 mg twice a day to help with the pain. If you are not on it, then you should ask your doctor for it. Are you having any physiotherapy? You should have physiotherapy as muscle wasting is common after an injury like this. Leg swelling is common too and needs ice and elevation.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Atul Prakash
Dr. Atul Prakash

Orthopedician and Traumatology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Orthopedician and Traumatology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy