Congenital dislocation of the knee

Congenital knee dislocation presents with a fixed hyperextension deformity and anterior displacement of the tibia on the femur. Seventeen patients with a dislocation of 27 knees and no other neuromuscular syndrome have been reviewed for treatment outcome. Almost one-half of the patients had associated congenital hip dysplasia. Early closed treatment obtained a successful reduction and satisfactory knee motion. Open reduction was required for failure of closed reduction. The Pavlik harness allowed for treatment of the congenital knee dislocation and hip dysplasia simultaneously.