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Post-traumatic Subcutaneous Hematoma
This large bruise developed after the patient had an accident in her yard. Post-traumatic subcutaneous hematomas are common in elderly women, especially those who are anticoagulated. Untreated, the hematoma can eventuate into an abscess and even sepsis.
After an accident on the lawn, a large bruise developed over the knee of a 58-year-old woman who was otherwise in good health. There were no abrasions. While the bruise had largely resolved within several weeks, she sought medical case because of a persistently tender swelling located just below and just medial to the inferior portion of the left patella.
Key point: Continuing swelling and pain should alert the clinician to a problem more serious than a mere bruise. The lesion was compressible, suggesting a collection of fluid. This is a post-traumatic subcutaneous hematoma-a condition common in elderly women-especially those who are anticoagulated. Untreated, the hematoma can eventuate into an abscess and even lead to sepsis.
Treatment: Following local anesthesia, about 3 µL of blood and serous fluid was evacuated from the affected area, and a pressure dressing applied for 1 week.
Note: Following a fall, traumatic cutaneous hematomas are also a leading cause of morbidity in elderly, hospitalized patients.
Atopic Dermatitis: The Pipeline and Clinical Approaches That Could Transform the Standard of Care
September 24th 2025Patient Care tapped the rich trove of research and expert perspectives from the Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis 2025 conference to create a snapshot of the AD care of the future.
