A floating knee treated conservatively: a case report

Ipsilateral fractures of the femur and tibia are usually considered a primary indication for internal fixation. A case of severely comminuted, open fracture of the distal femur and proximal tibia involving the knee which was managed conservatively is described here. This case is reported to make a plea for the trial of conservative management before opting for primary internal fixation of such complicated fractures. The conservative approach is strongly advocated when the essential requirements for internal fixation cannot be rigidly met.