Complications of Posterolateral Dislocation of the Knee

Abstract

A 49-year-old man incurred a posterolateral dislocation of the knee, a rare type of knee injury. The injury was associated with a significant skin slough as a result of internal pressure from the displaced medial femoral condyle. The dislocation also was associated with a rupture of the quadriceps tendon. The mechanism of injury was a forcible abduction of the flexed knee, coupled with medial rotation of the tibia upon the femur. This type of knee dislocation cannot be reduced closed and therefore immediate open reduction with primary ligamentous repair is the treatment of choice.