Primary repair of knee dislocations: results in 25 patients (28 knees) at a mean follow-up of four years.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the outcomes of knee dislocations treated with primary repair and an early rehabilitation protocol.


METHODS
Retrospective.


METHODS
Level 1 Trauma Center.


METHODS
Consecutive patients with knee dislocation referred to a single surgeon for care between 1994 and 2002 were included, for a total of 27 patients with 30 knee dislocations. Twenty-five patients (28 knees) were evaluated by an independent observer at a mean of 48 months (13-82 months).


METHODS
All patients underwent primary repair of all injured ligaments using a consistent technique and early rehabilitation protocol.


METHODS
In addition to range of motion and stability assessment, Lysholm and Tegner scores were used to evaluate outcome.


RESULTS
The mean post-operative Lysholm score was 89.0. Range of motion analysis for the 22 unilateral dislocations available for examination showed a mean extension loss of 1.9 degrees and mean flexion loss of 10.2 degrees , with a mean arc of motion of 119.3 degrees . Overall, the knees were found to be clinically stable.


CONCLUSIONS
Primary repair of ligaments coupled with an early rehabilitation program provides comparable outcomes to published results of ligament reconstruction. Primary repair of ligaments in the dislocated knee should be considered as an effective option in the trauma population.
Owens
Brett D
BD
Department of Orthopedics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA. b.owens@us.army.mil
Neault
Mark
M
Benson
Emily
E
Busconi
Brian D
BD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D031221:Knee Dislocation / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D010543:Peroneal Nerve / Q000601:surgery; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome