Calf haematoma following anticoagulants in synovial rupture.

Four cases of calf haematoma are described in which an incorrect diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was made of rupture of the knee synovium, and led to inappropriate anticoagulant therapy. Awareness of how closely synovial rupture of the knee can simulate DVT should prevent such mistakes. Where there is doubt venography and/or arthrography are advocated before prescribing anticoagulants which can be dangerous as there may already be bleeding from the rupture site.