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Differential Diagnosis for Foot Injury after being Run Over by a Car

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Contusion/Laceration/Abrasions: The most immediate and likely injuries from having a foot run over by a car would include soft tissue damage such as contusions, lacerations, and abrasions due to the direct trauma and pressure applied to the foot.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Fractures: Given the force exerted by a car, fractures of the bones in the foot (phalanges, metatarsals, or even the calcaneus and talus) are highly plausible.
  • Sprains: Ligament sprains can occur due to the twisting or bending force applied to the foot during the incident.
  • Crush Injury: The weight and force of the car can cause a crush injury to the foot, leading to potential compartment syndrome, nerve damage, and vascular compromise.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Compartment Syndrome: A potentially limb-threatening condition that can arise from increased pressure within the compartments of the foot, leading to nerve and muscle damage.
  • Vascular Injury: Damage to the arteries or veins in the foot can lead to severe bleeding, ischemia, or thrombosis, which are medical emergencies.
  • Nerve Damage: Injury to the nerves in the foot can result in numbness, tingling, or permanent sensory and motor deficits if not promptly addressed.
  • Infection: Open wounds from the injury are at risk for infection, which can lead to serious complications, including sepsis, especially if not properly managed.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Rupture of the Plantar Fascia: Although less common, the force of the car could potentially cause a rupture of the plantar fascia, leading to severe heel pain and difficulty walking.
  • Dislocation of Foot Joints: Dislocations of the joints in the foot, such as the subtalar or metatarsophalangeal joints, are possible but less frequent due to the protective mechanisms of the foot's anatomy and the shoes worn at the time of injury.
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A rare but potentially debilitating condition that can follow trauma, characterized by chronic pain, inflammation, and sensitivity.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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