Operative versus nonoperative treatment of knee dislocations: a meta-analysis.

Although several studies have investigated the optimal treatment of knee dislocations, all have been composed of a small number of patients and therefore have made it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. The literature on knee dislocation was reviewed to allow a meta-analysis and determine whether operative or nonoperative treatment had better outcomes. Range of motion, flexion contracture, Lysholm score, instability, ability to return to preinjury employment, and ability to return to preinjury athletic activities were compared using statistical methods. A total of 132 knee dislocations treated surgically and 74 treated nonoperatively were included. Average range of motion was 123 degrees in the surgical group and 108 degrees in the nonoperative group (P<.001). Flexion contracture averaged 0.5 degrees for the surgical group and 3.5 degrees for the nonoperative group (P<.05). A significant difference (P<.001) also was found in the Lysholm scores, with a surgical group mean of 85.2 and a nonoperative group mean of 66.5. There was no significant difference in the ability to return to preinjury employment or athletic activity or in the amount of instability between the two groups. Surgical treatment appears to be associated with improved outcomes, although significant disability is still possible after successful surgical treatment.

Outcomes of the operatively treated knee dislocation.

Despite being a serious injury with early complications associated with a high degree of morbidity, the outcomes of knee dislocations have improved dramatically since the days of Sir Astley Cooper. Currently, most authors favor early surgical reconstruction of the injured ligamentous structures. With modern surgical techniques and rehabilitation protocols, most patients are able to achieve functional range of motion and stability necessary for everyday life. Despite improvements in treatment, stiffness and pain, rather than instability, can be a problem. Patients continue to have difficulty returning to pre-injury levels of athletic competition and manual labor, although a significant number of patients have achieved these goals. As physicians, we must be knowledgeable in the current surgical techniques and rehabilitation protocols used in the treatment of knee dislocations, and the typical prognosis of the injury. By informing our patients of hurdles that they will be forced to overcome, in their path to recovery, before initiating treatment, patients will better understand the seriousness of the injury, which, it is hoped, will lead to compliance with their rehabilitation and thus better outcomes.