Clinical features

The joint rapidly fills with blood causing:

• pain and tenderness
• warmth
• limited movement
• boggy swelling

In most patients, particularly those without underlying neurologic sensory deficits or bleeding disorders, the cause of hemarthrosis is usually apparent from the history, as it often follows a clearly recognized traumatic event. Following an injury with intra-articular damage, the swelling from bloody synovial fluid accumulation is typically rapid within a few hours. Pain is a significant component; however, it may take time to develop, or may be minimal or absent in patients with pre-existing impaired sensation. The range of motion of the affected joint is typically significantly reduced. (1)

Reference

1. Potpally N et al. A Review of Current Management of Knee Hemarthrosis in the Non-Hemophilic Population. Cartilage. 2021 Dec;13(1_suppl):116S-121S.