Stability and motion after traumatic dislocation of the knee.

In a series of 10 patients with traumatic dislocation of the knee joint, closed reduction could be accomplished in nine. Conservative treatment was employed in four and operative repair of the ligaments and capsule in six patients. In two of three patients with complicating artery injury, vascular repair was successful. Above-knee amputation was performed in one patient because of delay in the diagnosis of vascular injury and in another patient because of arteriosclerotic gangrene. At follow-up examination, on average 6 years after the accident, the stability and motion of the knee were evaluated as good in five patients (three operated), fair in two (one operated) and as poor in one operated patient. The conclusions are that good knee function can thus be achieved with both conservative and operative treatment, and that limb salvage depends on prompt diagnosis and treatment of vascular complications.