Vascular Injury After Knee Dislocation: A Meta-Analysis Update

Multisystem injuries affecting vasculature and nerves can be detrimental sequelae of knee dislocations (KDs). The purpose of this study was to provide an update of the current literature since the conducted search used in the publication of Medina et al on May 3, 2013, to evaluate (1) the frequency of vascular and neurologic injury after KD, (2) the frequency with which surgical intervention was conducted for vascular injury in this setting, and (3) the frequency with which each imaging modality was used to detect vascular injury.

A two-author screening process was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines using the MEDLINE database. Frequency of vascular injury, surgical intervention, and amputation after KD were analyzed. Diagnostic modalities used in the acute-care setting were also evaluated.

Nineteen articles were analyzed for a total of 37,087 KDs. Of these, 10.7% sustained vascular injuries and 19.6% sustained nerve injuries. Overall, 62.2% of patients with vascular injury underwent surgical repair and 2.2% limbs resulted in amputation. Angiography was the most frequently used diagnostic modality (91.7%).

This review updates our understanding on the clinical implications of KDs including frequency of vascular injury (10.7%), amputation (2.2%), and nerve injuries (19.6%). Compared with prior literature, there was an increased prevalence of KD1 (32.4%) and lateral KDs (80.4%). Most vascular injuries after KD undergo surgical repair (62.2%).