Knee dislocation

Background

• Spontaneous reduction occurs in up to 50% of dislocations
  • Suggestive by severely injured knee that is unstable in multiple directions
• Types
  • Anterior (40%)
  • Posterior (33%)
  • Lateral (18%)
  • Medial (4%)

Management

1. Reduce immediately
   1. Apply longitudinal traction
2. Splint in 20 degrees of flexion
3. Arteriography?
   1. Some recommend for all pts due to high incidence of popliteal artery injury (~33%)
      1. Presence of normal distal pulses does not rule out injury
   2. Some only recommend for pts w/ pulse deficit or abnormal ABIs
4. Ortho and vascular surgery consultation
5. Admit

Source

• Tintinalli