Posterolateral dislocation of the knee: Recognizing an uncommon entity.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology
• Knee Injuries

Background:

• Posterolateral knee dislocations are uncommon but severe injuries.
• Timely diagnosis and treatment are critical for favorable prognoses.

Observation:

• A 48-year-old male presented with right knee pain and swelling post-twisting injury.
• Physical examination revealed the characteristic anteromedial "pucker" sign.
• Radiographs confirmed a posterolateral knee dislocation.

Findings:

• The patient underwent emergency open reduction, bypassing closed reduction attempts.
• Closed reduction is often unsuccessful due to soft tissue interposition and risks delaying care.
• Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging is not essential and can cause delays.

Implications:

• Early open reduction, after excluding vascular compromise, is the preferred management strategy.
• This approach minimizes surgical delays and reduces the risk of skin necrosis.
• Prompt surgical intervention is key for managing posterolateral knee dislocations effectively.