Knee pain after a car crash: the dashboard injury

In a head-on crash, the body keeps moving after the car has stopped, and a bent knee can hit the dashboard. Many people focus first on the neck or back and leave the knee for later. It is better not to: some knee injuries are subtle at first.

What happens to the knee

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains that a common cause of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury is exactly that: a bent knee hitting the dashboard in a car accident. This ligament helps keep the shinbone from moving backward, and injuring it usually takes a strong force.

The same source warns that these injuries are often subtle and more difficult to evaluate than other knee ligament injuries. That is why it matters to get checked, even if you can walk.

The symptoms

• Swelling and pain that build quickly after the injury.
• Stiffness, which may make you limp.
• Trouble walking.
• A feeling that the knee may “give out”.

When to get care

MedlinePlus, from the U.S. National Library of Medicine, recommends contacting a doctor if knee pain follows an accident or injury. Especially if:

• You cannot put weight on the knee.
• You have severe pain, even when not bearing weight.
• The knee buckles, clicks or locks.
• It looks deformed.
• You cannot fully bend or straighten it.
• You have a fever, redness, warmth around the knee or a lot of swelling.
• You have pain, swelling, numbness, tingling or bluish color in your calf.

Until you get to your visit

The basics help with pain and swelling, but they do not replace an evaluation:

• Rest: avoid what hurts and keep weight off the knee.
• Ice: up to 15 minutes every hour at first, with a towel over the skin. After the first day, at least 4 times a day.
• Compression: an elastic bandage or sleeve helps with swelling.
• Elevation: keep the knee raised as much as you can.

If you have other health problems or plan to take pain relievers for more than a day or two, check with your doctor first.

How it is diagnosed

The doctor examines the knee and compares it with the other one. X-rays do not show the ligament, but they can show a bone fragment that has been pulled off. An MRI shows soft tissue more clearly.

How it is treated

When only the PCL is injured, nonsurgical treatment often works: rest, ice, compression and elevation, a brace, crutches and physical therapy to strengthen the thigh. Surgery is usually kept for combined injuries, such as a dislocated knee with several torn ligaments, or for tears that keep causing instability or pain.

Not all knee pain after a crash is a ligament injury. What it needs is someone to evaluate it.

How we handle it at the clinic

We assess you, document what we find and, if needed, refer you for imaging (X-ray or MRI), physical therapy or a specialist. In Utah, care for the accident is normally covered by the PIP on your own auto policy, and if you have an attorney we share your records with them directly. The visit happens in English or Spanish, whichever you prefer.

Sources

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries.
• MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Knee pain.

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This article is general information about our clinic and about knee injuries. It is not medical or legal advice and does not replace a consultation with a professional. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.