Multiple Ligament Injured Knee: Initial Assessment and Treatment

Abstract

The multiple ligament injured knee (knee dislocation) is oftentimes part of a multisystem injury complex that can include injuries not only to knee ligaments but also to blood vessels, skin, nerves, bones (fractures), head, and other organ system trauma. These additional injuries can affect surgical timing for knee ligament reconstruction and also affect the results of treatment. This article presents the author's approach and experience to the initial assessment and treatment of the multiple ligament injured (dislocated) knee.

Keywords: Alignment; Articular surface; External fixation; Instability pattern; Multisystem injury complex; Staged reconstruction; Surgical timing; Vascular assessment.