Persistent Knee Pain in a 13-Year-Old
On July 4th, a 13-year-old girl experienced an issue while carrying her sister up the stairs; her knee suddenly felt unstable. Although she didn’t fall or injure her knee directly, she began to experience pain the following day. After a few days of discomfort, she started applying ice and began wearing a knee brace. However, even after two weeks, the pain persisted. Her pediatrician referred her to an orthopedic specialist. Upon examination, the orthopedic doctor identified that her kneecap was shallow and had some mobility issues. He advised her to use a stability brace for the next two weeks. Yet, after three additional weeks of wearing the brace and continuous pain, the doctor recommended an MRI examination. The results were uploaded to the patient portal, and after a few days without further communication, the parent reached out for clarification but did not receive a response. They are seeking guidance on how long the child should anticipate experiencing pain and needing to wear the brace. (MRI RESULTS SUMMARY) 1. There is mild swelling in the soft tissues around the middle section of the medial retinaculum, possibly indicating a mild contusion. A low-grade sprain is also a consideration, though no thickening or tears are noted in the retinaculum. Additionally, there is no concerning bone bruising or structural deformity that would suggest a dislocated kneecap. 2. No injuries were noted in the meniscus, ligaments, or concerning changes to the cartilage. (Parent's inquiry) Good morning, I wanted to follow up regarding the MRI results. After reviewing them, it appears to suggest there might be a tendon or ligament tear, but I’m uncertain if I interpreted them correctly. (Nurse's response) You might be misreading the report. Please go to the conclusion section at the bottom of the document. (Parent's follow-up) To be honest, it would be beneficial if a healthcare professional could clarify the findings, even from the conclusion section. I appreciate the ability to research the information, but it seems to indicate there’s swelling and fluid present? What does that imply? Should she continue using the stabilizing brace for another week or two, or until the pain subsides? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
8/23/2025, 12:41:30 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your daughter’s situation regarding her knee pain. It sounds like a challenging experience, and I appreciate your desire for clarity. From the MRI results and the history you provided, it appears she’s dealing with mild soft tissue swelling and possibly a low-grade sprain, but fortunately, there are no serious injuries indicated.
Key Points:
- Current MRI Findings: Mild swelling and a low-grade sprain suggest soft tissue irritation rather than severe injury like a tear.
- Brace Use: Continuing to use the stability brace is essential to support her knee as it recovers.
- Pain Duration: While each individual may heal at different rates, you can typically expect some improvement over the coming weeks.
Explanation:
The swelling and fluid around the knee indicate inflammation, which is common in cases of sprains or mild contusions. This can cause pain, instability, and discomfort, which may take several weeks to resolve. Since no serious structural issues were found, it’s reassuring that her knee is not severely injured, but continuing care is necessary to facilitate healing.
Next Steps:
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Continue Using the Stability Brace: It's advised that she keeps using the brace until her pain significantly reduces. This could be anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks, depending on her symptoms. If no improvement is seen after two weeks, further medical consultation may be necessary.
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Manage Pain and Swelling:
- Ice Therapy: Continue applying ice to the knee for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Elevation: When resting, keep the leg elevated to help reduce swelling.
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Physical Activity Modification: Encourage her to avoid activities that put strain on her knee but promote gentle movement and stretches as tolerated. Low-impact exercises, like swimming or cycling, might be beneficial once the pain subsides.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on her pain level and function. If she experiences increased pain, instability, or difficulty walking, it may require further evaluation.
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Follow Up: It’s important to follow up with her orthopedic specialist to discuss the MRI findings and any ongoing concerns. If you haven’t received feedback within a reasonable timeframe, consider calling the office for updates, as this will help to clarify any uncertainties regarding her treatment plan.
Conclusion:
Recovery can be gradual, and patience is key. Supporting your daughter with rest, the brace, and careful monitoring will aid her healing process. Don’t hesitate to reach out for further information or clarification as you navigate her care.
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