Analysis of the Functional Outcome of Surgically Operated Floating Knee Injury

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology

Background:

• A floating knee involves simultaneous ipsilateral femur and tibia fractures, potentially impacting knee joint integrity.
• This injury pattern necessitates specialized surgical approaches to restore limb function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the functional outcomes of surgically treated floating knee injuries.
• To correlate fracture patterns with treatment results using established criteria.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study of 20 patients with floating knee injuries.
• Fracture classification using the modified Fraser's classification.
• Functional outcome assessment via Karlström and Olerud criteria over a minimum six-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• The majority of injuries (19/20) resulted from road traffic accidents.
• Fraser's classification revealed a prevalence of Type I (11 patients) and Type IIC (6 patients) fractures.
• Functional outcomes were excellent in 35% (7/20), good in 30% (6/20), acceptable in 20% (4/20), and poor in 15% (3/20) of patients.

Conclusions:

• Optimal functional outcomes in floating knee injuries depend on meticulous surgical planning and comprehensive long-term rehabilitation.
• Type I fractures, according to Fraser's classification, showed a higher rate of excellent outcomes (63.6%).