In a vacuum, a simple bone bruise wouldn’t be much to worry about, according to Brian Eckenrode, assistant professor of physical therapy at Arcadia University.

“There’s micro-damage into the cartilage and bone of the knee joint,” Eckenrode said, noting he hasn’t personally examined Bynum. “There is pain from abnormal compression of the joint surfaces, but it’s not debilitating. Bone bruises can occur from ligament tears in the knee because the injury pattern results in bones of the knee bumping up against each other. They can also occur from repetitive compressive forces such as running and jumping.”

Bynum does have a history, which means the bone bruise isn’t in a vacuum. He tore his right MCL in 2009 and needed further surgery on that knee after the 2010 season.

“Knowing he’s got a history, looking at the overall picture, I’d wonder if he is doing something abnormal when he’s jumping that’s predisposing him to these things,” Eckenrode said.

Eckenrode doesn’t believe the platelet injection Bynum received in Germany caused the bone bruise. It will likely clear up, but it does cloud the long-term situation.