Differential Diagnosis for Traumatic Knee Cap Pain and Swelling
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Patellar fracture: This is the most likely diagnosis given the traumatic nature of the injury and the location of the pain and swelling. A patellar fracture would cause significant pain and swelling in the knee cap area.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Patellar dislocation: A traumatic injury to the knee can cause the patella to dislocate, leading to pain and swelling in the knee cap area.
- Prepatellar bursitis: Trauma to the knee can cause inflammation of the prepatellar bursa, leading to pain and swelling in the knee cap area.
- Quadriceps or patellar tendon rupture: A traumatic injury to the knee can cause a rupture of the quadriceps or patellar tendon, leading to pain and swelling in the knee cap area.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Knee compartment syndrome: Although less likely, a traumatic injury to the knee can cause a compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.
- Vascular injury: A traumatic injury to the knee can cause a vascular injury, such as a popliteal artery injury, which can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
- Open fracture: An open fracture of the patella or surrounding bones can lead to infection and other complications if not promptly treated.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Osteonecrosis of the patella: A traumatic injury to the knee can cause osteonecrosis of the patella, although this is a rare complication.
- Patellar apophysitis: A traumatic injury to the knee can cause patellar apophysitis, although this is more common in adolescents.
- Infection: A traumatic injury to the knee can cause an infection, such as septic arthritis or osteomyelitis, although this is rare in the absence of an open wound.