My Knees Got Crushed After A Head-On Collision, What Are My Treatment Options?

A crushed knee injury usually means that one or more parts of your knee joint (such as the bones, ligaments, tendons, or cartilage) have been severely damaged by a strong impact. In a head-on collision, this often occurs when your legs become pinned between the dashboard and the floorboard at the moment of impact. Some of the most common injuries that result from crushed knees include the following.

• Fractures. The patella (kneecap), femur (thighbone), or tibia (shinbone) may break due to the strong force of impact.
• Ligament Tears. The ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL can stretch or tear, causing the knee to lose stability.
• Cartilage Damage. The cartilage that cushions the knee joint can deteriorate, increasing the risk of arthritis.
• Soft Tissue Injuries. Muscles and tendons may become bruised, torn, or separated from the bone.
• Nerve Or Vascular Damage. Severe injuries can disrupt circulation or nerve function, which may cause numbness or loss of feeling in the leg.

Since the knee is a complex joint made up of multiple interconnected structures, these injuries often happen together, which can make diagnosis and treatment more complicated.

Emergency Medical Care And Diagnosis

If your knees were crushed in a collision, getting immediate medical attention should be your top priority. These injuries can worsen quickly without proper stabilization. Emergency responders may immobilize your legs to prevent additional damage before taking you to the hospital. Once there, doctors will conduct several tests to assess the extent of your injury. 

X-rays are used to identify fractures or dislocations, while CT scans or MRIs provide a closer look at soft tissue damage. If there are signs of poor circulation, vascular studies may also be performed to check blood flow. These diagnostic tests help determine whether surgery is necessary or if a non-surgical approach will be sufficient.

Surgical Treatment Options

For moderate to severe knee crush injuries, surgery is often necessary to restore stability and proper function. Depending on the extent of the damage, your orthopedic surgeon may suggest one or more of the following procedures.

• Open Reduction And Internal Fixation (ORIF). When your bones are fractured, ORIF is one of the most frequently used surgical procedures. During this operation, the surgeon carefully realigns the broken bones and secures them with metal plates, screws, or rods. This stabilization keeps the bones properly positioned during healing and helps you regain movement more efficiently.
• Ligament Reconstruction. If ligaments such as the ACL or PCL are torn, reconstruction surgery may be necessary. In this procedure, the damaged ligament is replaced with a graft taken from another part of your body or a donor. Without this repair, your knee may remain unstable and more susceptible to dislocation.
• Cartilage Restoration. When the impact severely damages the cartilage in your knee, surgeons may use procedures like microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation, or cartilage grafting. These methods help restore cushioning in the joint and reduce the risk of developing early arthritis.
• Joint Replacement. If the damage to your knee joint is too extensive for repair, a partial or total knee replacement may be required. Artificial implants are used to replace the injured bone and cartilage, which can significantly reduce pain and improve movement. This procedure is usually considered only when other surgical options are not suitable.
• Debridement And Fasciotomy. In cases involving severe soft tissue injury, surgeons may perform debridement to remove dead or infected tissue and lower the risk of infection. A fasciotomy might also be done to relieve internal pressure and restore healthy blood flow if swelling compromises circulation.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

If your crushed knee injury is not as severe or does not require immediate surgery, there are several conservative treatments that can help with healing and pain relief.

• Immobilization. Your doctor may recommend using a brace, splint, or cast to keep your knee stable as it heals. Restricting movement helps minimize inflammation and allows your bones, ligaments, and soft tissues to recover properly.
• Physical Therapy. Once your knee has stabilized, physical therapy becomes an essential part of your rehabilitation. A physical therapist will guide you through targeted exercises to build strength, restore flexibility, and improve balance. Depending on the extent of your injury, therapy may continue for several months.
• Pain Management. Pain from a crushed knee can be severe and long-lasting. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, or injections such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid to control swelling and enhance joint movement.
• Regenerative Treatments. Newer options like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and stem cell therapy are designed to encourage natural tissue repair. These treatments are often combined with physical therapy to support long-term healing and improve overall recovery outcomes.

Contact Us Now For Your Knee Injury

If you or a loved one has been severely injured, don’t delay – call (800) 529-0804 right now for a free consultation with an expert personal injury lawyer. When dealing with a stressful situation, you need a knowledgeable personal injury team to guide you through the recovery process. Contact Tatum & Atkinson, PLLC right away! There is no obligation, and it will not cost you anything to learn about your legal possibilities for pursuing compensation.

CALL THE HEAVY HITTERS AT 1-800-LAW-0804 TODAY!