Abstract
Abstract
Background
Fracture dislocation of the knee involves disruption of knee ligaments with associated tibial plateau fracture. If these injuries are not evaluated swiftly, can result in a limb-threatening injury. The aim of this study is to look at the clinical outcomes of a single surgeon case series at a major trauma centre.
Methods
Prospectively collected data was analysed for a 5-year period. Primary outcome measures used were International Knee Documented Committee (IKDC) score and Knee Injury & Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). The secondary outcome measures include Tegner activity scale, knee range of movements and complications.
Results
32 patients were presented with the mean age was 34 years (range 17–74). 14% of patients sustained vascular injury and 19% had common peroneal nerve injury. Priority was given for early total repair/reconstruction with fracture fixation within three weeks where feasible (90% of patients), and if not, a staged approach was adopted. The mean IKDC score was 67 (35–100) & KOOS was 74 (40–100). The mean preoperative Tegner Activity Scale was 6.5 whereas post-operative Tegner Activity Scale was 3.6 The mean flexion achieved postoperative was 115 (90–130). The two common patterns of injuries seen were Anterio-medial rim fractures (52%) with avulsion injuries of posterio-lateral corner structures and posteriomedial plateau fractures with ACL avulsion injuries. The first pattern was commonly associated with vascular and common peroneal nerve injury (90% of patients).
Conclusion
To our knowledge, this is the first kind of study to report some fracture patterns that can be associated with particular ligamentous injuries.
