Hip Hematoma After Accident: Understanding Treatment & Recovery

Question
we were involved in an auto accident 11/7 and my Daughter age 41 was thrown from the Van onto her side she has a hematoma the size of a football on that same side she also had total hip replacement 3 yrs. ago, what can we do to make this go down, there is no pain involved, just once in a while shooting pains but rarely, and if she walks to much it gets even bigger.

Answer
Diane,

Most hematomas which are collections of blood will go through several stages the last being liquefaction and re-absorption.  The blood in most cases will be reabsorbed by the body, however in some instances a "lake" of blood remains and will require incision and drainage.  Hopefully with her hardware she had the appropriate radiographs and has seen an orthopaedic surgeon.

JP Saleeby, MD
www.saleeby.net