Ipsilateral Floating Hip and Floating Knee - A Rare Entity

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Management
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Ipsilateral floating hip and floating knee injuries are exceptionally rare, with limited case reports.
• These complex injuries typically result from high-velocity trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents.
• Standardized treatment guidelines for these uncommon fractures are lacking, posing management challenges.

Observation:

• A 20-year-old male sustained simultaneous ipsilateral floating hip and floating knee injuries post-motor vehicle accident.
• Initial stabilization was followed by surgical intervention.
• The patient underwent interlocking nailing of the femur and tibia, with conservative management for the acetabular fracture.

Findings:

• Fracture union was achieved in both the hip and knee by the five-month follow-up.
• Good restoration of range of motion in both the hip and knee joints was observed.
• The combined surgical and conservative approach proved effective in this rare injury pattern.

Implications:

• This case highlights a successful management strategy for a rare combination of ipsilateral lower extremity injuries.
• Early surgical fixation and aggressive rehabilitation are crucial for optimal outcomes in floating hip and knee injuries.
• Further case reports and potential collaborative studies are needed to establish definitive treatment protocols.