Knee Dislocation

A knee dislocates when the three bones forming it falls out of alignment. It can be a situation when the knee structure is abnormal. In some infants, knee dislocation shows up with birth, called congenital dislocation, while in adults the condition is mostly a result of a traumatic event that thrusts the knee joint out of position. It is an extremely painful condition that needs emergency treatment under the supervision of an orthopedist.

In a dislocated knee, your shin and thigh bones may get partially or completely out of position. A dislocated knee is not the same as a dislocated knee cap – the latter is called a patellar subluxation.

Causes

• Falls
• Sports injuries
• Motor vehicle injuries

Symptoms

• Pain
• Deformity
• Swelling
• Inability to lift the weight
• Failing to move the joint
• No distal pulses (when related to vascular injury)
• Tingling and numbness (when related to nerve injury)

Diagnosis

• X-Ray
• MRI
• CT-scan
• EMV/NCV (to detect nerve injury)
• CT Angiogram/Doppler scan (to detect vascular injury)

Treatment

Here are the most effective treatment plans suggested by orthopedists based on the severity of the condition:

Relocation: With a process called reduction, the orthopedic specialist will move the lower leg back into place. IT is done after numbing the affected area with medication or the patient is kept on conscious sedation. Relocation is the initial treatment stage to repair the damaged blood vessels, ligaments, nerves, and other soft tissues.

Surgery: In case of an arterial injury, your orthopedist will suggest undergoing surgery for repairing the damaged vessels and balance the blood flow to the affected leg.

Immobilization: To support the healing process and prevent further injury, the knee joint is held together with an immobilizer or splint. It avoids bending of the knee and promotes faster healing.

Reconstruction: In the case of knee dislocation, there are severe sprains and tears of the ligaments, so when the swelling is in control, the knee may require a reconstruction surgery to get back into proper functioning. After the surgery, the knee should be braced or cast to maintain the position and promote healing.

Make an appointment with Dr Reddy for a detailed diagnosis and treatment plan for your dislocated knee.