Secondary collapse of lateral femoral condyle following bone bruise: a case report

The term bone bruise, in modern medicine, is still a relatively young one, which followed the advent of MRI. Resolution takes between 12 and 24 weeks, however clinical significance is unknown. We present the case of an 18-year-old male who developed bone bruising of his lateral femoral condyle, associated with meniscal injury and anterior cruciate ligament rupture, following a fall from a push bike. A subsequent injury then led to collapse of his lateral femoral condyle following initial resolution of his symptoms. This was managed operatively performing bony and soft tissue stabilisation. This case highlights the issues associated with proven bone bruising and associated soft-tissue injuries in the knee, which cannot be considered innocuous injuries. We also raise the question as to whether patients should undergo a period of protected weightbearing when a bone bruise is recognised on MRI.