[Treatment of closed dislocations of the knee joint]

Nineteen knee dislocations in 18 patients (one bilateral) occurred over a period of twelve years. The age range was 17 to 70 years with an average age of 33 years. There was no injury of the popliteal artery and five peroneal nerve injuries in the group. One compartment syndrome occurred after reduction. The follow-up study including examination showed good and satisfactory results for early surgical repair. After delayed surgical repair there were more signs of instability, pain and restrictive range of flexion movement. Early operative repair followed by cast bracing for six weeks and an intensive mobilisation therapy after cast bracing are the method of choice. An immobilisation period of three to four weeks is possible.