Traumatic dislocation of the knee: a report of 30 cases and literature review

Traumatic dislocation of the knee, an uncommon injury, is sustained as the result of violent trauma. Thirty documented cases of complete traumatic dislocation of the tibia from the femur are identified and retrospectively reviewed. Twenty had adequate documentation with a minimum two-year follow-up to evaluate the results of operative versus nonoperative treatment of this ligamentous injury. Nonoperative treatment can result in a functional knee depending on the patient's demands. However, early operative repair, followed by early limited motion (cast bracing), and aggressive physical therapy to regain motion, are recommended in young active patients. Prolonged immobilization postoperatively should be avoided.