[Traumatic dislocation of the knee]

Abstract

Traumatic dislocation of the knee is a rare orthopaedic injury with often severe concomitant damage. In addition to the ligamentous injuries there is a significant risk of vascular injury, which can be potentially limb-threatening if undiagnosed or late recognized. It is therefore crucial with a correct and safe diagnostic method in the acute phase. Dislocation is caused by both high- and low-velocity mechanisms. Obesity is a single risk factor of low-velocity knee dislocation. Other than nerve and vascular damage, dislocation is associated with numerous intra- and extraarticular injuries, as argued in this review.