title: [Vascular injuries associated with dislocation of the knee: diagnosis protocol].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Knee dislocation is an unusual condition, and can have catastrophic consequences, such as vascular and neurological complications, in addition to the ligament injuries.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to analyse the effectiveness of a protocol of early diagnosis of vascular injuries associated with knee dislocations.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective study was conducted which included acute knee dislocations treated in our institution, with a minimum of 12 months follow-up, between 1999-2010. A diagnostic protocol based on physical examination and ankle-brachial index was used in order to detect vascular injuries.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ten dislocations, 30% with popliteal artery injury, were diagnosed early and received emergency treatment within 8 hours. There were associated neurological injuries in two patients. There were no amputations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The systematic use of this protocol has avoided consequences of late diagnosis and has drastically reduced the abusive use of invasive tests, such as arteriography.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, Madrid, España. alhualda@hotmail.com
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: López-Hualda
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Valencia-García
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Martínez-Martín
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D055109:Ankle Brachial Index; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D031221:Knee Dislocation / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010808:Physical Examination; D011150:Popliteal Artery / Q000293:injuries*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D057772:Vascular System Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology