Timing of Repair or Reconstruction after Knee Dislocation

The multiple ligament injured knee (knee dislocation) is, often times, part of a multisystem injury complex that can include not only injuries to knee ligaments but also to blood vessels, skin, nerves, bones (fractures), head injuries, and other organ system trauma. These additional injuries can affect surgical timing for knee ligament reconstruction and also affect the results of the treatment. This article will present the author's approach and experience in the initial assessment and treatment of the acute multiple ligament injured (dislocated) knee, and also present considerations in the treatment of chronic multiple ligament injured knee.