Knee Dislocations

Abstract

In brief The consequences of a knee dislocation can be devastating. The significant associated risks of severe arterial, venous, or neurologic compromise make this a limb-threatening injury. Therefore, it's essential that the physician make an expedient diagnosis based on physical findings, assess neurovascular status rapidly, splint the knee, and provide immediate transport to an emergency department. A closed reduction is often performed in the emergency room or operating room. Spontaneous reduction makes diagnosis more difficult, and the examiner must suspect knee dislocation in globally unstable knees to definitively diagnose the injury.