Operative Treatment of Traumatic Dislocation of the Knee Joint: Result of Staged Reconstruction of Cruciate Ligament

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical result of staged treatment of traumatic dislocation of the knee joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study population included 15 men and 1 women who were treated between 1996 to 2001. MCL injury was treated with primary repair/ conservative treatment and posterolateral instability was treated with primary repair /augmentation. Combined meniscal injury was treated with repair/partial meniscectomy. After 3 monthes, ACL or PCL was treated by reconstruction if needed. PCL reconstruction was performed in 7 and after 5 monthes in 3 of them ACL reconstruction was performed. In 6, only ACL reconstruction was performed. In 3, no cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed. The evaluation included range of motion, Lyaholm score, stress radiogram. RESULTS: Lysholm mean value was 82.8 and ROM 124 degrees. Complication is 1 peroneal nerve palsy and 1 arthrofibrosis. Average posterior drawer compared with contralateral limb is 5.1mm. CONCLUSION: We suggest that this staged treatment for traumatic dislocation of the knee joint reduce the frequency of complication such as arthrofibrosis and obtain stability of knee joint. Acute PCL reconstruction is necessary for complete PCL tear on MRI in multiple ligament injuries.