Information for Patients

From the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Knee Dislocation

by Dustin Richter, BS; Thomas A. DeCoster, MD; James Stannard, MD; Andrew Veitch, MD; Daniel Wascher, MD; Robert C. Schenck, Jr., MD

Knee dislocations are ligamentous disruptions with loss of continuity of tibiofemoral articulation. A combination of tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), and other stabilizing structures are typical of knee dislocations. The vast majority of knee dislocations involve disruption of both the ACL and PCL. Anterior displacement is considered the most common type of knee dislocation. The least common type is the posterolateral dislocation. They most commonly occur from high-energy mechanisms (motor-vehicle wrecks, industrial accidents), but they can also occur from low-energy trauma (sporting activities and minor falls). In the absence of vascular and open injuries, treatment options include nonsurgical and surgical management options.

This article reviews the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of knee dislocations and reviews considerations in the surgical and nonsurgical management. The inlay PCL reconstruction technique is specifically reviewed. Video is available.

Keywords: anterior knee dislocation, posterior knee dislocation, posterolateral knee dislocation, incidence, associated injuries, etiology, mechanism of injury, classification, position classification, anatomic classification, diagnosis, patient history, physical examination, imaging, radiography, MRI, arteriography, differential diagnosis, management, nonsurgical treatment, surgical treatment, surgical techniques, inlay PCL reconstruction, indications, contraindications, outcomes, rehabilitation, external fixation, complications