Presentation
Fell onto the left knee. Pain on and below the knee. Swelling above the site of injury and tenderness to touch.
Patient Data
Large knee joint effusion with a fluid-fluid level consistent with lipohemarthrosis.
No discrete acute displaced fracture nor dislocation.
The alignment and bone density are normal. The joint spaces are preserved.
No abnormal soft tissue calcifications.
Case Discussion
Lipohemarthrosis refers to when an intra-articular fracture causes blood and fat leakage from the bone marrow into the joint. Also, lipohemarthrosis is most often seen in the knee. Early diagnosis is important to avoid compartment syndrome and potential complications. Further evaluation with cross-sectional imaging, MRI and/or CT per availability is the next best step.
This case was submitted with supervision and input from:
Soni C. Chawla, M.D.
Health Sciences Clinical Professor,
Department of Radiological Sciences,
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Attending Pediatric Radiologist,
Olive View - UCLA Medical Center.
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