Epidemiological Study on Multiligament Knee Injuries

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Multiligament knee injuries are complex orthopedic emergencies.
• Understanding patient demographics and trauma mechanisms is crucial for effective treatment.
• Limited data exists on multiligament knee injuries specific to the Brazilian population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize multiligament knee injuries in a Brazilian cohort.
• To correlate injury patterns with patient profiles and trauma mechanisms.
• To compare findings with international studies.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 82 patients with multiligament knee injuries (Sept 2016 - Sept 2018).
• Evaluation of age, gender, mechanical axis, affected side, range of motion, trauma mechanism, associated injuries, affected ligaments, and work absence.
• Analysis of injury types, including ligament involvement and dislocation patterns.

Main Results:

• Average patient age was 29.7 years, with 92.7% males.
• Motorcycle accidents were the most common trauma mechanism (45.1%).
• Most frequent ligament injuries: anterior cruciate ligament (80.5%), posterior cruciate ligament (77.1%), posterolateral corner (61.0%), tibial collateral ligament (26.8%). KD IIIL dislocation occurred in 30.4%.

Conclusions:

• Significant differences exist between Brazilian multiligament knee injury patients and international cohorts.
• Further population-specific research is recommended to optimize treatment strategies.
• Motorcycle accidents and specific ligament patterns characterize this Brazilian patient group.