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Should A Fall After Knee Replacement Be A Cause Of Worry?

Posted on Thu, 4 Sep 2014

Question: I am a 72 year old woman, about 200 lbs. that just had knee replacement in May. I was going up the stairs and I did not bring my left foot up high enough and fell. To break my fall, I leaned left and fell hard on my left breast. I did fall with my hand around it, but the fall was still hard. It was a XXXXXXX step. Nothing else was hurt, except my right knee did also hit.

Is there anything I should worry about. This happened ab out 5 days ago.

Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need not be worried

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,welcome to HealthcareMagic forum.

I have read your question in detail,and understand your concern.

If you do not have significant pain in and around the site of hit,and not having any trouble while breathing,this need not be worried;Just forget it.Being comfortable without any pills for 5 days suggests that any significant trauma is very unlikely.

Otherwise,if there is pain,it is better to get your chest examined by your primary physician to rule out any hematoma or contusion that needs attention.

Hope I have answered your query.
Wishing you healthy days ahead.
With regards,Dr Aslam.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Muhammed Aslam (11 hours later)

Thank you doctor. Since the fall happened less than a week ago, actually today is a week, I will wait a few more days and if the pain does not subside , I will call my doctor.

Yes, thank God, breathing is not a problem just the pain the pain was also on my right side of my breast, but that is almost gone. It is the left side, which took the hard hit that still hurts. I do not have bruising (black/blue) just pain. Is it ok
That I do not have bruising ?

Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
need not worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
Happy to hear that you are not having any breathing difficulty or pain on breathing. This means there is no internal chest injury.

Regarding chest pain, though a hematoma is usually accompanied by external bruises, may not be always. So watch the pain-if it is reducing day by day, you need not worry. You can take simple analgesics like paracetamol (if not allergic) if needed. Otherwise, if the pain increases or remains as such, you should definitely seek medical attention early to avoid complications like secondary infection.

Hope it is clear now.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Muhammed Aslam (42 minutes later)

Thank you doctor for your prompt response. I will keep in touch.

Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
OK.fine

Detailed Answer:
Its OK..
Wishing you good health, always.
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Muhammed Aslam (2 hours later)

Dr. I did as you said and purchased some Tylenol I know you gave me another name but the pharmacist said that's what I should get. At any rate, the pain has definitely subsided big time. I will see what happens when the pills wear off but so far, do good. Thank you again.

Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
it is ok

Detailed Answer:
Hi,dear
Tylenol is a brand name for paracetamol. You can use it.
As the pain is down the way,we need not worry.just wait and watch.
Thanks

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D