Acute Management of Traumatic Knee Dislocations.

Acute management of a knee dislocation requires prompt recognition. A high index of suspicion should exist in any trauma patient with knee pain or an effusion. A thorough clinical examination to identify vascular or neurologic injury is critical. Reduction must be performed if the knee presents dislocated and open reduction is warranted if the knee is irreducible. Stabilization can occur with a splint or knee immobilizer, but if reduction is unable to be maintained, an external fixator should be placed. Patients should be monitored postreduction for 24 to 48 hours with serial examinations to detect delayed vascular compromise and/or compartment syndrome.