[Sprains and dislocations of large joints--the knee joint]

Recent "distorsion" injuries of the knee joint should be diagnosed with great precision. While injuries that do not produce instability should be treated conservatively, early surgical repair is the treatment of choice for the unstable knee. If a reliable evaluation is not possible, a general anesthetic is required; arthroscopy is reserved for special questions. Dislocation of the knee is a true surgical emergency. The vascular insult caused by the severe injury requires immediate attention.