How Deep is that Laceration?

Author: John Rolshoven, MD
Peer-Reviewer: Will Denq, MD, CAQ-SM
Final Editor: Alex Tomesch, MD, CAQ-SM

38 year old male was using a reciprocating saw to cut baseboards when the saw jumped and the blade cut into the side of his knee. He reports difficulty with ambulation and flexion of the knee.

Image 1. Image of the knee. Case courtesy of M. Roberts, The Proceduralist.

Image 2. AP and lateral knee x-ray consistent with above image. Radiopaedia example: Case courtesy of Di Muxio B, Radiopaedia.org. rID: 38755.

What is the most likely diagnosis?

What diagnostic options are available?

What is the sensitivity and specificity of each diagnostic option above?

What is the management in the ED?

When do you consult Orthopedics?

References

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[9] Shultz CL, Schrader SN, Garbrecht EL, et al. Operative versus nonoperative management of traumatic arthrotomies from civilian gunshot wounds. Iowa Orthop J. 2019;39:173–177.