Need Physical Therapist's Opinion on a Problem of One of My Patients

[tehsoccer]

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One of my patients, female high school athlete, tore her left ACL this past April and had surgery this June. I worked with her every day this summer and have continued through her school year only three times a week. Obviously her knee cap is numb to the touch. Her numbness continues down the front left of her leg about halfway down her leg. I realize this is completely normal. However, during her sessions, I have noticed where she is numb in the front part of her leg, a bruise will appear. It is not there before the workout. It only appears while working out. My colleagues and I have no explanation. Any plausible reasons for this?

 

[jellybean2020]

One of my patients, female high school athlete, tore her left ACL this past April and had surgery this June. I worked with her every day this summer and have continued through her school year only three times a week. Obviously her knee cap is numb to the touch. Her numbness continues down the front left of her leg about halfway down her leg. I realize this is completely normal. However, during her sessions, I have noticed where she is numb in the front part of her leg, a bruise will appear. It is not there before the workout. It only appears while working out. My colleagues and I have no explanation. Any plausible reasons for this?

I'm sorry but this is NOT the proper place to solicit medical or profession advice for patients.

 

[Fiveoboy11]

I'm sorry but this is NOT the proper place to solicit medical or profession advice for patients.

Wait a second, what are you talking about? The OP isn't seeking medical advice in any way. He/she is presenting a case and asking for professional opinions to explain it.

 

[jellybean2020]

Wait a second, what are you talking about? The OP isn't seeking medical advice in any way. He/she is presenting a case and asking for professional opinions to explain it.

Actually last time I checked 'seeking a diagnosis' is part of 'seeking medical advice'. This obviously wouldn't be a big deal if the patient in question wasn't a current patient of the OP. Are you aware of how it looks from a liability point of view if a healthcare worker potentially acts on diagnostic advice he/she obtains from an online forum for a current patient? But then again, if someone on SDN has no professional qualms with helping the OP then hey go for it! I wouldn't but that's just my opinion.

 

[oregonprept]

The previous poster is right when they said you shouldn't be asking for a diagnosis online. Plus without many details or being able to examine a patient we'd have no real sure idea anyways. If you want a PT's advice why don't you just refer her informally or otherwise to a PT or MD, like the ortho that did the surgery?

I am by no means saying this is your pt's dx, but in general sometimes nerve damage occurs during surgery. Numb legs aren't normal.

And that's all I'll say.