[Vascular injuries associated with dislocation of the knee: diagnosis protocol]

Knee dislocation is an unusual condition, and can have catastrophic consequences, such as vascular and neurological complications, in addition to the ligament injuries.

The aim of this study is to analyse the effectiveness of a protocol of early diagnosis of vascular injuries associated with knee dislocations.

A retrospective study was conducted which included acute knee dislocations treated in our institution, with a minimum of 12 months follow-up, between 1999-2010. A diagnostic protocol based on physical examination and ankle-brachial index was used in order to detect vascular injuries.

Ten dislocations, 30% with popliteal artery injury, were diagnosed early and received emergency treatment within 8 hours. There were associated neurological injuries in two patients. There were no amputations.

The systematic use of this protocol has avoided consequences of late diagnosis and has drastically reduced the abusive use of invasive tests, such as arteriography.