Physical diagnosis of the multiple-ligament-injured knee

Knee dislocations and related knee trauma represent dramatic orthopedic injuries. The severity and spectrum of injury may not be immediately evident to the clinician. A high index of suspicion for associated neurovascular involvement must be maintained throughout the initial care of the patient. In anticipation of ligament repair and reconstruction, a preoperative MR imaging study supplemented by an examination under anesthesia allows for an accurate assessment of the pattern and severity of ligament injury. With this knowledge the surgeon is able to prepare properly for surgery and create appropriately placed surgical incisions to afford adequate exposure of all injured structures.