Multiple Ligament Knee Injuries: Current State and Proposed Classification

Abstract

Classification systems should enhance communication between providers, facilitate accurate and consistent reporting in the literature, and guide management. However, current classification systems for MLKIs lack sufficient detail to guide clinical management which limit their prognostic value. The purpose of this chapter is to revisit and consider important features of some of the most impactful classification systems developed in the orthopaedic literature and to propose a classification system for MLKIs that may improve communication among providers, facilitate consistent reporting in the literature, and ultimately foster publication of meaningful clinical data.

Keywords: Classification; Complex knee; Knee dislocation; Multiple ligament knee.