Outcomes of the operatively treated knee dislocation

Despite being a serious injury with early complications associated with a high degree of morbidity, the outcomes of knee dislocations have improved dramatically since the days of Sir Astley Cooper. Currently, most authors favor early surgical reconstruction of the injured ligamentous structures. With modern surgical techniques and rehabilitation protocols, most patients are able to achieve functional range of motion and stability necessary for everyday life. Despite improvements in treatment, stiffness and pain, rather than instability, can be a problem. Patients continue to have difficulty returning to pre-injury levels of athletic competition and manual labor, although a significant number of patients have achieved these goals. As physicians, we must be knowledgeable in the current surgical techniques and rehabilitation protocols used in the treatment of knee dislocations, and the typical prognosis of the injury. By informing our patients of hurdles that they will be forced to overcome, in their path to recovery, before initiating treatment, patients will better understand the seriousness of the injury, which, it is hoped, will lead to compliance with their rehabilitation and thus better outcomes.