

Use the methylene blue challenge to find out if there’s more damage beneath the surface.

"...Intra-articular involvement of the laceration requires urgent orthopedic consultation and thorough irrigation to prevent intra-articular infection. By instilling 20 mL of a sterile colored solution (such as methylene blue) into the joint, the provider can look for leakage of fluid out of the laceration, which would indicate intra-articular involvement. If no dye leaks through the wound, the provider can be comfortable closing the wound in the emergency department without further intervention..."