Knee dislocations: experience at the Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal.
BACKGROUND
Although many options exist for ligament reconstruction in knee dislocations, the optimal treatment remains controversial. Allografts and autografts have both been used to reconstruct the cruciate ligaments. We present the results of reconstruction using artificial ligaments at Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur in Montréal.


METHODS
We reviewed the treatment of all patients with knee dislocations seen between June 1996 and October 1999. The Lysholm score, ACL-quality of life (QoL) questionnaire, physical examination and Telos instrumented laxity measurement were used to evaluate the results.


RESULTS
Twenty patients (21 knees) participated in the study. The mean (and standard deviation [SD]) Lysholm score was 71.7 (18). Results from the ACL-QoL questionnaire showed a global impairment in QoL. Mean (and SD) range of motion and flexion were 118 degrees (10.9 degrees) and 2 degrees (2.9 degrees) respectively. Mean (and SD) radiologic laxity evaluated with Telos for the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments were 6.1 (5.7) mm and 7.3 (4.5) mm respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Knee reconstruction with artificial ligaments shows promise, but further studies are necessary before it can be recommended for widespread use. This is the first study to show specifically a severe impairment in QoL in this patient population.
Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.
Max
M
Talbot
Greg
G
Berry
Julio
J
Fernandes
Pierre
P
Ranger
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery*; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006786:Hospitals, Urban; D006801:Humans; D031221:Knee Dislocation / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery*; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000379:methods*; D016119:Posterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011792:Quebec; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome