The knee joint is the most prone to such a pathology as hemarthrosis, which is expressed in the outflow of blood into the joint cavity. This is due to the location of this joint and its complex structure. Most often, the knee joint is injured as a result of playing sports, performing work related to the load on the knee or when doing housework.
Causes of hemarthrosis of the knee joint
Haemarthrosis of the knee joint can occur as a result of bruises, with intra-articular lesions (rupture of the meniscus or capsule, dislocation, fracture). As a consequence, in the joint cavity, the blood that has entered is mixed with the synovial fluid, clots are created that undergo further fermentation. There is an increase in intra-articular pressure, the smoothness and integrity of cartilage tissues is disturbed. All this serves as a favorable basis for the development of inflammatory-degenerative processes in the joint cavity.
Also, this pathology can occur due to hemophilia - a disease associated with a clotting disorder, in which spontaneous bleeding to the joints is often observed.
Manifestations of hemarthrosis of the knee
The severity of hemarthrosis symptoms of the right or left knee depends on the degree of trauma. To suspect a pathology it is possible on following signs:
- pain in the place of injury;
- visual increase of the knee in the volume;
- swelling of the knee;
- smoothness of knee contours;
- cyanosis of the skin in the joint region;
- local increase in temperature (skin hyperthermia over the joint);
- disturbance of the functioning of the knee joint.
In severe cases, the knee joint completely loses its motor activity. If the bleeding into the joint cavity continues, the pain sensations increase. When palpation in the knee joint, a fluctuation is determined.
Hemarthrosis, associated with hemophilia, may not manifest itself for a long time. At the same time, the functioning of the ligament apparatus and the destruction of the cartilaginous tissue are concealed.
Consequences of hemarthrosis of the knee joint
When hemarthrosis of the knee arises, processes of decomposition of blood cells take place with the release of harmful substances, which causes pathological changes in the cartilaginous tissue. There is also a change in the local circulation.
The consequence of the disease can be a transition to a chronic form, in which infectious and inflammatory processes often develop. So, as a result of hemarthrosis can develop:
- synovitis ;
- bursitis;
- purulent arthritis.
Also, pathology is dangerous due to the possibility of falling out of the threads of fibrin and the development of adhesions from the scar tissue in the joint.
Treatment of hemarthrosis of the knee joint
Therapy of hemarthrosis begins with the removal of blood from the joint cavity, which must be performed as soon as possible. For this, puncture is applied with observance of aseptic conditions, after which the lavage and the administration of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs are carried out. These manipulations are performed under local anesthesia. Preparations for coagulation factors are also introduced to stop bleeding. In severe cases it is recommended to perform arthroscopy with the removal of blood from the cavity of the knee joint.
Further, tight bandaging of the affected joint is made, the application of a pressure bandage and immobilization with a gypsum lingeta. Physiotherapy procedures are prescribed:
- thermal procedures;
- magnetotherapy , etc.
After removal of gypsum is shown wearing a special knee, as well as therapeutic exercises for at least six months.