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Spontaneous non-traumatic dislocation of the knee
Alistair Pace1, Colin Fergusson
1Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, UK. alistairpace@hotmail.com
Acta Orthopaedica Belgica
|December 14, 2004
Summary
Spontaneous posterior knee dislocation can occur without trauma, even in non-athletic individuals. This case highlights a rare instance in an obese female, emphasizing the need for prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention for ligamentous knee injuries.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Knee Biomechanics
Background:
- Ligamentous knee injuries, including subluxation and dislocation, are commonly associated with sports-related trauma.
- Posterior knee dislocation typically results from significant force, often seen in high-impact activities.
- Non-traumatic etiologies for knee dislocation are exceedingly rare, posing diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A case report details an obese female experiencing a spontaneous, non-traumatic posterior knee dislocation.
- The incident occurred while rising from a seated position, catching her foot.
- Clinical examination revealed associated peroneal nerve injury, but vascular compromise was ruled out via angiography.
Findings:
- The patient underwent surgical ligamentous reconstruction to address the posterior knee dislocation.
- Despite the absence of direct trauma, the knee joint's structural integrity was compromised.
- Associated peroneal nerve deficit indicates potential for neurological complications in such injuries.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of potential mechanisms for posterior knee dislocation beyond high-energy trauma.
- It underscores the importance of considering non-traumatic causes, particularly in patients with risk factors like obesity.
- Prompt surgical management is crucial for restoring knee stability and function, and for addressing neurological deficits.