Long-term functional results and complications in patients with knee dislocations

This retrospective study evaluated outcome and associated complications in 48 patients with 50 knee dislocations treated between 1968 and 1993. Average follow-up was 8.3 years. Thirty-one knees underwent operative treatment, and 19 knees underwent nonoperative treatment. Open dislocations occurred in 26%.of knees, and associated injuries occurred in 58%. Peroneal nerve injuries occurred most frequently (36%), followed by popliteal artery injuries (24%). Six knees treated nonoperatively required either above-knee amputation (4) or knee arthrodesis (2). Mean Lysholm at follow-up was 80.2 and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score was 76.8. Differences in HSS score (P = .001), Lysholm score (P = .007), pain with rest, knee flexion, and return to athletics were statistically significant between patients treated operatively and nonoperatively, with operative patients scoring better. Patients treated surgically were less likely to develop severe radiographic degenerative changes. These findings demonstrate patients treated operatively for knee dislocations have better functional results.