Actor Amitabh Bachchan opens show seated after knee injury from a fall on set

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan recently revealed that he suffered a knee injury on a film set, forcing him to start the opening sequence of the latest Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 episode while seated.

The Incident

Bachchan explained that he slipped and fell with a loud thud during a shoot. He experienced trouble standing up due to the injury and noted that his knee is torn. He chose to deliver his usual opening monologue from a chair before attempting to stand up later in the show, telling the audience not to worry.

Medical Insights

Dr Ashish Phadnis, director of orthopaedics at Jupiter Hospital Thane, stated that a fall can affect various structures around the knee. The resulting damage can range from a simple bruise, swelling, or soft-tissue injury to a ligament or meniscus tear, or even a fracture. In older adults with more fragile bones, a fall can occasionally cause an avulsion injury where a ligament pulls off a small piece of bone. Difficulty standing up can happen due to pain, swelling, stiffness, or limited knee movement.

Care and Next Steps

Dr Phadnis advised resting the leg and applying an ice pack wrapped in cloth for 15 to 20 minutes at a time during the initial period, along with elevation to reduce swelling. He warned against repeatedly testing the injured knee and stressed seeking medical evaluation if pain is severe, swelling is notable, or if there is instability or difficulty putting weight on the leg. While an X-ray helps check for fractures, it does not show soft-tissue injuries involving ligaments or the meniscus, which may require an MRI. Older adults with conditions like osteoarthritis are more vulnerable to such injuries and may need physiotherapy or strengthening exercises.

Context

Knee injuries from sudden slips or falls are common medical incidents that require careful evaluation, particularly as people age and joints face natural wear and tear. Medical professionals generally recommend professional checks rather than self-diagnosis when severe pain or swelling follows a physical impact.