Congenital Knee Dislocation: A Case Report

Congenital knee dislocation (CKD) is a rare anomaly characterized by anterior and lateral displacement of the tibia in relation to the femur. Its incidence is 0.017 per 1000 live births, predominating in the female sex. Its etiology is unknown, but intrinsic (genetic) and extrinsic (mechanical) predisposing factors have been identified. Treatment ranges from conservative measures to surgery, depending on the severity of the case. This study aims to present a case of CKD not associated with other pathologies and highlight its favorable progression through timely diagnosis and conservative management. We present a full-term newborn with a diagnosis of left CKD. Physical examination revealed genu recurvatum in reducible hyperextension. The x-ray confirmed grade III dislocation. Manual reduction was performed with immobilization by means of a thigh splint, with improvement after 7 days. At 5 months, the patient presented satisfactory evolution without functional limitations. CKD has three severity grades and various causes. Diagnosis is made clinically and radiographically, and sometimes prenatally. Grades I-II are treated conservatively; grade III or non-improving cases may require surgery. Early detection improves prognosis.