Traumatic dislocation of the knee

Summary Sixteen patients with traumatic dislocation of the knee were treated during the period 1977–1995. The average period of follow up was 7 years. The mean age was 39.07 years for men and 45.6 years for women. One patient sustained a rupture of the popliteal artery and peroneal nerve at the same time, while two others sustained peroneal nerve neurapraxia. Fourteen out of 16 patients underwent surgical treatment for various combinations of ligamentous injuries, and the following techniques were used: suturing, pullout, reconstruction by using the semitendinosus tendon or the iliotibial band or the patellar tendon, and finally reattachment. Simple peripheral menisceal tears were sutured, while partial meniscectomy was performed only in extensive tears of the posterior horn of the meniscus. Postoperatively all the patients had a long backslab applied for 3 weeks and from the first postoperative day commenced isometric quadricep exercises and mobilised on elbow crutches non weight bearing on the injured side. After the backslab was removed, all started active knee exercises. The postoperative results were satisfactory regarding the knee stability, the pain and the patient's level of activity despite the seriousness of the injury.