Knee dislocation

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Knee dislocation
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Pain, swelling, instability of the knee
Complications	Vascular injury, nerve injury, compartment syndrome
Onset	Sudden, often due to trauma
Duration	Varies, depending on severity and treatment
Types	N/A
Causes	High-energy trauma, sports injuries, falls
Risks	Obesity, previous knee injuries
Diagnosis	Physical examination, X-ray, MRI
Differential diagnosis	Knee sprain, knee fracture, patellar dislocation
Prevention	Protective gear, strength training
Treatment	Reduction (orthopedic), surgery, physical therapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Varies, potential for chronic pain and arthritis
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

A knee dislocation is a severe injury that occurs when the bones that form the knee joint are out of place. This condition is different from a patellar dislocation, which involves the displacement of the kneecap. Knee dislocations are often the result of high-energy trauma, such as car accidents or sports injuries.

Anatomy of the Knee

The knee joint is composed of three bones: the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone), and the patella (kneecap). These bones are connected by a complex network of ligaments, including the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The knee also contains cartilage and menisci that cushion the joint and facilitate smooth movement.

Causes

Knee dislocations are typically caused by high-impact trauma. Common causes include:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Sports injuries
• Falls from significant heights
• Industrial accidents

Symptoms

Symptoms of a knee dislocation may include:

• Severe pain
• Visible deformity of the knee
• Swelling and bruising
• Inability to move the knee
• Numbness or tingling if nerves are affected

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a knee dislocation is usually made through a combination of physical examination and imaging studies. X-rays and MRI scans are commonly used to assess the extent of the injury and to check for associated damage to ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves.

Treatment

Treatment for a knee dislocation often involves:

• Immediate reduction (realignment) of the dislocated knee
• Immobilization with a splint or brace
• Surgery to repair damaged ligaments, blood vessels, or nerves
• Physical therapy to restore function and strength

Complications

Complications from knee dislocations can be severe and may include:

• Vascular injury: Damage to the popliteal artery can lead to compromised blood flow and may require emergency surgery.
• Nerve injury: Damage to the peroneal nerve can result in foot drop and other neurological deficits.
• Chronic instability: Persistent instability of the knee joint may occur if ligaments do not heal properly.
• Arthritis: Post-traumatic arthritis can develop in the affected knee joint over time.

Prognosis

The prognosis for a knee dislocation depends on the severity of the injury and the promptness of treatment. Early and appropriate management can lead to good functional outcomes, although some patients may experience long-term complications.

See also

• Knee injuries
• Ligament injuries
• Orthopedic surgery

External links

   This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!