Osseoscopy-assisted core decompression and debridement in the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

Core decompression of the femoral head is a standard surgical procedure used in the early stages of the femoral head avascular necrosis (AVN) (Steinberg I to III). This study aimed to determine whether the advantages of osseoscopy-assisted core decompression using a standard arthroscopic set up in the early stages of AVN of the femoral head. Twelve hips of 12 patients who underwent osseoscopy-assisted core decompression and debridement with the diagnosis of AVN of the femoral head were reviewed between 2019 and 2021. The etiology was idiopathic in 2 patients; ten had a history of steroid use. The preoperative and postoperative first month Harris Hip Score (HHS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were recorded. Standard X-rays, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were noted at preoperatively and sixth month follow-ups. In a 1-year follow-up, X-rays and MRIs were reviewed. All patients significantly improved in the VAS and HHS after the osseoscopy-assisted core decompression (P = .002). Two of the 12 patients with an initial stage of Steinberg IIC and IIB and one with Steinberg IA had a progressive femoral collapse and, therefore, had a total hip replacement at the end of the follow-up. Nine patients (75%) had satisfactory functional and radiological results in 1-year of follow-up. However, 3 patients (25%) culminated in total hip arthroplasty in a 1-year follow-up. Using an arthroscopic set up during osseoscopy-assisted core decompression surgery of the femoral head AVN has the benefits of direct visualization and accurate debridement of the involved area. The osseoscopy-assisted core decompression technique avoids excessive debridement of the healthy bone tissue adjacent to the necrotic area.

Effect of Vitamin D Deficiency on Periprosthetic Joint Infection and Complications After Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is a global problem, and 13 to 75% of patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) have vitamin D deficiency. Several studies have shown that low preoperative vitamin D levels may increase the risk of postoperative complications, including periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), in patients undergoing primary TJA. Most of the studies are underpowered. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and surgical and medical complications after primary TJA, with a specific focus on PJI. METHODS: Prospectively collected institutional multicenter arthroplasty databases were reviewed to identify patients who underwent primary total knee and hip arthroplasty. The study group was defined as patients whose vitamin D level is < 30 ng/dL and who received a single oral dose of 7.5 mg (300,000 IU) D3 within two weeks before index surgery (n = 488; mean age 63 years). Patients in the control group were those whose preoperative vitamin D levels were unknown and who did not receive vitamin D supplementation (n = 592, mean age 66). The groups were compared regarding 90-day medical and surgical complications, including PJI, mortality, and readmission rates. RESULTS: The total number of complications (8.6 and 4.3%; respectively; P = .005), superficial wound infection (2.5 and 0.2%, respectively; P < .001), and postoperative cellulitis (2.2 and 0% respectively; P < .001) were statistically significantly higher in the patient group who did not receive vitamin D supplementation. However, 90-day mortality (P = .524), PJI (P = .23), and readmission rate (P = .683) were similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that preoperative optimization of vitamin D levels may be beneficial in reducing postoperative complications, including superficial wound infection and postoperative cellulitis. Administering an oral 300,000 U single-dose vitamin D regimen to correct vitamin D deficiency can positively impact outcomes following primary TJA.

Intraoperative two-stage evaluation of muscle contractures in Crowe type IV hips in total hip arthroplasty (a new surgical technique).

BACKGROUND: It is important to maintain soft-tissue balance and prevent muscle contractures after hip reduction during total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). To make such hips functional and durable, the techniques to achieve soft-tissue balance were studied to create an algorithm for intraoperative 2-stage evaluation of muscle contractures, specifying the optimal order for contracture release. METHODS: Between February 2011 and March 2015, we evaluated 64 patients (75 hips) with DDH for muscle contractures as they underwent THA. Following acetabular implantation, femoral osteotomy was applied of various lengths according to limb-length discrepancy. First, the distal part of the femur was prepared by broaching, and the hip was then reduced. The tensor fascia lata, rectus femoris, sartorius, hamstrings, and adductor muscles were evaluated, and any contractures were released. A trial conjoining of the distal and proximal parts of the femur was made, and the hip was reduced again. Finally, the iliopsoas and abductor muscles were evaluated, and contractures were released. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 4.6 years. Preoperative and postoperative Harris Hip Scores were 52 and 87, respectively. Limb-length discrepancy was mean 4.2 cm preoperatively, and <1 cm postoperatively. All contractures were released according to our newly developed algorithm. CONCLUSIONS: It is challenging to pinpoint the main muscle causing contractures, because other muscles acting on the hip joint have similar secondary functions. The method we describe here may provide better and more specific restoration of muscle function in a hypoplastic hemipelvis in DDH.

Using "Shadow Board" in Spinal Anesthesia Preparation: A Lean Healthcare Practice.

To the editor: The 21st century is proving to be a very important period in healthcare services with the widespread use of quality improvement programs.

The Natural Course of Serum D-Dimer, C-Reactive Protein, and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Levels After Uneventful Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the baseline levels of D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and monitor the natural course of these serum markers after uneventful primary total joint arthroplasty. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 81 patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty. The level of serum D-dimer, CRP, and ESR was measured preoperatively and on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, 15, and 45. Mean peak values, peak times, and distribution were compared between D-Dimer, CRP, and ESR. RESULTS: The mean preoperative serum D-dimer, CRP, and ESR level was 412 ± 260 (range 200-980) ng/mL, 2.93 ± 2.1 (range 1-18) mg/L, and 22.88 ± 17.5 (range 3-102) mm/h, respectively. The highest mean peak for D-dimer, CRP, and ESR was at postoperative day 1, 3, and 5, respectively. CONCLUSION: D-dimer levels reached peak levels on postoperative day 1 and then declined rapidly to a plateau level by postoperative day 3. A second, albeit small, peak in the level of D-dimer occurred on postoperative day 15. The level of CRP and ESR remained elevated for much longer with CRP returning to baseline on postoperative day 45 and the level of ESR had not returned back to normal on postoperative day 45.

Short-term outcomes of outpatient surgery for total knee arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: We developed an accelerated clinical pathway involving outpatient surgery for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) who are healthy enough for early discharge. METHODS: Between March 2014 and April 2015, 89 TKAs were performed at a single institution by a single orthopaedic surgeon. 31 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. All patients received 2 g tranexamic acid and 750 mg cefuroxime sodium intravenously 30 minutes prior to surgery. A multimodal protocol for perioperative pain management was used for all patients. RESULTS: 31 patients (three male, 28 female), with a mean age of 67 (range 49-78) years, who underwent TKA were enrolled in this study. The mean length of hospital stay was 28.7 (range 16-49) hours and mean duration of surgery was 92 (range 75-128) minutes. Combined spinal epidural anaesthesia was performed for 23 (74.2%) patients and general anaesthesia was used in 8 (25.8%) patients. Among the 31 patients, 23 (74.2%) patients were discharged within 23 hours of surgery. CONCLUSION: Early discharge of patients following outpatient surgery for TKA was not associated with any procedure-related complications among the selected patients up to three months postoperatively.

Total hip arthroplasty for acetabular fractures: "Early Application".

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional and clinical results of early total hip arthroplasty performed to treat acetabulum fracture. METHODS: Evaluation of 17 patients who were diagnosed with acetabulum fracture and treated with early total hip arthroplasty between January 2008 and October 2013 was performed. In all, 14 patients were male, and 3 were female, with mean age of 52 years (range: 29-80 years). Time elapsed between trauma and operation was mean of 13 days (range: 2-21 days). Observation period was average of 48.2 months (range: 24-70 months). Mean Harris Hip Score was 89.6 (range: 70-100). RESULTS: In 13 patients, score was good or excellent. Total of 7 of 10 patients had returned to their pre-trauma jobs. Mean length of time for return to work was determined to be 7.2 months (range: 1.5-24 months). Of the total, 9 (52.9%) patients were diagnosed with heterotopic ossification according to Brooker Classification. CONCLUSION: After acetabulum fracture, early total hip arthroplasty with the correct indications and appropriate patient can result in functional, pain-free hip joint with the advantages of early mobilization, early return to work, and decrease in reoperation risk. Heterotopic ossification prophylaxis should be considered in the presence of 1 or more risk factors, such as a head injury, high-energy trauma, or associated musculoskeletal injuries.

The chondroprotective effects of intraarticular application of statin in osteoarthritis: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most frequent chronic joint disease causing pain and disability. Recent reports have shown that statin may have the potential to inhibit osteoarthritis. This study of early stage OA developed in an experimental rabbit model, aimed to evaluate the chondroprotective effects of intraarticularly applied atorvastatin on cartilage tissue macroscopically and histopathologically by examining intracellular and extracellular changes by light and electron microscope. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experimental knee OA model was created by cutting the anterior cruciate ligament of the 20 mature New Zealand rabbits. The rabbits were randomly allocated into two groups of 10. STUDY GROUP: The group that received intraarticular statin therapy; CONTROL GROUP: The group that did not receive any intraarticular statin therapy. The control group received an intraarticular administration of saline and the study group atorvastatin from the 1(st) week postoperatively, once a week for 3 weeks. The knee joints were removed including the femoral and tibial joint surfaces for light and electron microscopic studies of articular cartilages. RESULTS: The mean total points obtained from the evaluation of the lesions that developed in the medial femoral condyle were 11.33 ± 0.667 for the control group and 1.5 ± 0.687 for the study group. The mean total points obtained from the evaluation of the lesions that developed in medial tibial plateau cartilage tissue were 11.56 ± 0.709 for the control group and 1.40 ± 0.618 for the study group. Electron microscopic evaluation revealed healthy cartilage tissue with appropriate chondrocyte and matrix structure in study group and impaired cartilage tissue in control group. CONCLUSION: Chondroprotective effect of statin on cartilage tissue was determined in this experimental OA model evaluated macroscopically and by light and electron microscope. There are some evidences to believe that the chondroprotective effect of the statin is that, by protecting the structure of the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi complex.

The Effect of Dislocation Type (Crowe Types I-IV) on Pelvic Development in Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: A Radiologic Study of Anatomy.

Classification of hip pathology in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) helps in appropriate placement of implants during total hip arthroplasty. We examined preoperative unilateral and bilateral pelvic radiographs of 57 patients (114 hips) undergoing total hip arthroplasty because of DDH. Both sides of the pelvis were visually separated into 3 areas for comparison. When area ratios of hips with Crowe types II, III, and IV DDH were compared with ratios for healthy hips, values in hips with DDH were significantly low for the iliac wings, significantly high for the acetabular regions, and significantly low for the ischial area. Using a line crossing the healthy hip's teardrop and parallel to a line joining the distal sacroiliac joints is useful for calculating limb-length discrepancy.

The extensor hallucis longus tendon as the distal reference point in total knee arthroplasty and tibial alignment.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects on tibial alignment of the use of the extensor hallucis longus (EHL) tendon with the use of the 2nd metatarsal as a reference in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using the extramedullary technique. METHODS: The study evaluated 100 postoperative radiographs of 79 patients who underwent primary TKA between 2004 and 2008. Patients were grouped according to the distal anatomical landmark used during surgery. There were 36 patients (mean age: 68.3 years, range: 56 to 82 years) in the EHL-referenced (ERT) group and 43 patients (mean age: 70.2 years, range: 54 to 78 years) in the 2nd metatarsal-referenced (MRT) group. There were 47 components in the ERT group and 53 in the MRT group. Frontal alignments of the tibial components were measured. Angles of 90±2° were accepted as the normal boundaries while those above that value were labeled as 'varus' and those below as 'valgus'. RESULTS: Average frontal alignment was 88.57° in the MRT group and 89.17° in the ERT group. The number of tibial components in the normal range was significantly higher (p=0.017) and the number of varus-oriented components significantly lower (p=0.024) in the ERT group. There were no significant differences in valgus-oriented outliers between groups (p=1.000). CONCLUSION: The use of the EHL tendon as a reference improves coronal tibial alignment. The EHL is a reliable anatomical landmark to use with extramedullary guide systems.

Load sharing and ligament strains in balanced, overstuffed and understuffed UKA. A validated finite element analysis.

The aim of this study was to quantify the effects of understuffing and overstuffing UKA on bone stresses, load distribution and ligament strains. For that purpose, a numerical knee model of a cadaveric knee was developed and was validated against experimental measurements on that same knee. Good agreement was found among the numerical and experimental results. This study showed that, even if a medial UKA is well-aligned with normal soft tissue tension and with correct thickness of the tibia component, it induces a stiffness modification in the joint that alters the load distribution between the medial and lateral compartments, the bone stress and the ligament strain potentially leading to an osteoarthritic progression.

Ogilvie's syndrome following bilateral knee arthroplasty: a case report.

Ogilvie's syndrome, also known as acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, is an uncommon but severe postoperative complication of total hip and knee arthroplasty. This syndrome should be borne in mind after arthroplasty surgery. We present a case of this serious postoperative complication and aim to identify the risk factors and alert surgeons to the possibility and appropriate management of Ogilvie's syndrome.

Acetabular reconstruction by impacted cancellous allografts in cementless total hip arthroplasty revision.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the primary and secondary stability, where 100% or virtually 100% of the uncemented acetabular component contacted with impacted cancellous allografts, focusing especially on the amount of graft used and rim contact. METHODS: Fifteen cases of acetabular reconstruction using impacted cancellous allografts and cementless porous-coated component in which 100% or virtually 100% of the component contacted only with the allograft were reviewed. Mean follow-up was 97.5 (range: 58 to 130) months after revision. The Harris hip score was used to evaluate clinical results. Radiographic evaluations were done using standard anteroposterior views obtained at the final follow-up. RESULTS: Two patients underwent re-revision. The mean Harris hip score of the remaining 13 patients was 88.3±11.9 (range: 68 to 100) at the final follow-up. Early postoperative radiographs showed mean angle of inclination of 45° (range: 30° to 55°). There was a mean migration of 6.2±7.8 (range: 0 to 29) mm and the migration amount did not differ according to rim contact (p=0.054). There was no correlation between migration and amount of graft used (p>0.05). There was a significant correlation between migration and follow-up time (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results imply that 50% host bone contact is not absolutely necessary to form a stable construct while restoring the centre of hip rotation.

An assessment of the chondroprotective effects of intra-articular application of statin and tetracycline on early-stage experimental osteoarthritis.

Objectives. To compare the effects of intra-articular application of statin and tetracyclines on cartilage and synovial tissue on experimental osteoarthritis. Methods. Osteoarthritis was created in 30 rabbits of 3 groups. The control group received saline intra-articularly, statin group, atorvastatin and the tetracycline group, doxycycline once a week for 3 weeks. Chondral and synovial tissues were evaluated macroscopically and histopathologically. Results. Macroscopic evaluation determined mean values of control group 3.0, statin group 0.56, and tetracycline group 2.5. Histopathological evaluations determined mean values; femoral medial condyle cartilage tissue, control group, 14.60 ± 1.00, statin group 2.20 ± 1.30, tetracycline group 12.7 ± 5.39: tibia medial plateau, control group, 14.33 ± 8.68, statin group 2.89 ± 1.96, tetracycline group, 15.90 ± 7.03: synovial tissue, control group 12.22 ± 3.63, statin group 4.33 ± 2.69, tetracycline group 10.70 ± 2.62. Average values of synovial tissue cell layer thickness were control group 14.46 ± 2.35 µm, statin group 10.56 ± 1.01 µm, tetracycline group 12.80 ± 0.79 µm. All measurements showed statistically significant differences between statin and control groups (P < 0.05) but not between tetracycline and control groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions. Tetracycline has little effect due to chemical modification requirement, and the effect is dose dependent. Statins have chondroprotective effects, so may become a novel therapeutic agent in osteoarthritis management after chemical processing.

Functional results of conservative therapy accompanied by interscalane brachial plexus block and patient-controlled analgesia in cases with frozen shoulder.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the efficacy of simultaneous interscalene block and catheter analgesia applied as an aid to conservative treatment in improving shoulder functions in patients with frozen shoulder. METHODS: Three patients (2 women, 1 man; mean age 47 years) with frozen shoulder underwent conservative treatment including manipulation under interscalene brachial plexus block and subsequent rehabilitation under catheter analgesia to improve shoulder range of motion and function. Following manipulation under interscalene block, the patients were hospitalized for 15 to 28 days (mean 21 days) for an exercise program performed by a physiotherapist and orthopedist at least twice a day under interscalene catheter analgesia. Thirty minutes before each rehabilitation session, patient-controlled analgesia was administered via a pain relief pump. Active and passive range of motion (ROM) were measured and the severity of pain was rated using a visual analog scale (VAS) prior to and following interscalene block, during the exercise program, and at the end of the treatment. Functional assessments were made before and after treatment using the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Scale. The exercise program under interscalene analgesia was performed until pain-free and sufficient active movements were obtained, with at least 80% improvement in active and passive motion, a VAS score of 0-2, and an UCLA score of >27. RESULTS: Compared to pretreatment values, the ROM values showed remarkable increases at the end of the treatment. Active ROM reached at least 30 degrees external rotation, 40 degrees internal rotation, 150 degrees flexion, 45 degrees extension, and 100 degrees abduction in all cases. On presentation, the VAS scores of all cases were 10 for both active and passive movements, whereas they ranged from 0 to 2 on discharge. The mean UCLA score increased from 12.3 to 30.3 after treatment. Immediately after the interscalene block, two patients exhibited signs of Horner's syndrome which resolved spontaneously within an hour without the need for treatment. No complications or catheter-related problems such as infection, break-off, or displacement developed throughout the treatment period. There was no requirement for additional analgesia. CONCLUSION: In patients with frozen shoulder, interscalene block and continuous patient-controlled analgesia via an interscalene catheter provided sufficient analgesia and contributed to the recovery of shoulder functions through an effective and safe exercise program, with no side effects or complications. However, further studies are needed to assess the feasibility of home applications of interscalene patient-controlled analgesia to increase cost-effectiveness and patient satisfaction.

[Comparing the effects of analgesia techniques with controlled intravenous and epidural on postoperative pain and knee rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty]. / Total diz artroplastisi sonrasi intravenöz ve epidural hasta kontrollü analjezi tekniklerinin ameliyat sonrasi agri ve diz rehabilitasyonu üzerine etkilerinin karsilastirilmasi.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare the effects of controlled intravenous (iv.) and epidural analgesia techniques on postoperative analgesia and knee rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: After the approval of the ethical committee, both i.v. (group I.V; n=20) and epidural (group E; n=22) postoperative analgesia (PCA) were applied in 42 patients (range 18 to 75 years) undergoing TKA. Because of dislocation of epidural catheters in the postoperative period, two cases were excluded from the study and 20 patients in each group were evaluated. Postoperative pain was assessed with the visual analog scale (VAS) and it was recorded in the recovery unite and then at the 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, 24th, 48th and 72nd hours. The knee flexion angles of patients were daily measured with a goniometer. The data were analyzed using Mann Whitney U-test, two-samples independent t-test, Fisher exact-chi squared and Pierson chi squared tests. RESULTS: Demographic variables were similar in two groups. In group E, VAS scores at rest and motion were found to be significantly lower and knee flexion angles were significantly higher than that of the group I.V. CONCLUSION: We determined that epidural PCA provided better pain relief and rehabilitation than iv. PCA in postoperative period after TKA.

[Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in major orthopaedic surgery: A multicenter, prospective, observational study]. / Majör ortopedik cerrahilerde venöz tromboemboli profilaksisi: Cokmerkezli, prospektif, gözlem çalismasi.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE), prophylaxis measures employed, and incidence of symptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients undergoing major orthopaedic surgery (MOS). METHODS: An open, multicenter, prospective, observational study was conducted in 21 medical centers, comprising 899 patients. Of these, 316 patients (35.2%) underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA), 328 patients (36.5%) underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and 255 patients (28.4%) underwent surgery for hip fractures (HF). Pharmacologic prophylaxis was employed in all the patients. RESULTS: Risk factors for VTE were seen in 73.2% of the patients, the most common being obesity (72%) and prolonged immobilization (36.3%). Low-molecular-weight heparin (91.1%) and fondaparinux (8.9%) were used for prophylaxis, which was short-term in 273 patients (30.4%) and long-term in 626 patients (69.6%). Mechanical prophylaxis was performed with compression stockings in 610 patients (67.9%) and by intermittent pneumatic compression in 67 patients (7.5%). During three-months of follow-up, symptomatic DVT and PE were seen in eight (0.9%) and four patients (0.4%), respectively. Mortality occurred in 10 patients (1.1%). Complications of major and minor bleeding were seen in eight (0.9%) and 40 (4.5%) patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Effective VTE prophylaxis is associated with low risk of clinically apparent DVT and PE in MOS.

Breast and osteoarticular tuberculosis in a male patient.

Breast tuberculosis is an uncommon illness. It is predominant in young women. To our knowledge, only 7 cases of tuberculous mastitis in men have been reported in the English literature since 1945. Furthermore, there are no male patients who have breast and osteoarticular tuberculosis in the literature. We presented a 41-year-old man who was admitted with a fixed tender mass in the right retromammary region and pain in the right hip. Mycobacterium tuberculosis colonies were isolated from the semisolid mass of breast. Histopathologic examination revealed caseous granulomatous infection in the right hip synovial tissue. He was treated successfully with only antituberculous drugs.

[The evaluation of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty with or without patellar resurfacing]. / Total diz protezi uygulamalarinda patella eklem yüzeyi degistirilen ve degistirilmeyen olgularin degerlendirilmesi.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the clinical and radiographic results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with or without patellar resurfacing. METHODS: The study included 149 knees of 126 patients who underwent TKA for primary knee osteoarthritis with (59 knees, group 1) or without (90 knees, group 2) patellar resurfacing. Clinical evaluations were made with the knee and function scores of the Knee Society, and patella scoring system; radiographic evaluations included changes in the joint line, Insall-Salvati ratio, lateral patellofemoral angle, and congruency angle. The mean follow-up period was 66.7 months (range 34 to 123 months) in group 1, and 68.1 months (range 30 to 117 months) in group 2. RESULTS: Although postoperative knee and function scores showed significant improvements in both groups (p<0.001), these did not reach significance between the two groups (p>0.05). The mean patella scores did not differ significantly, either (p>0.05). Postoperative radiographic assessments did not show significant differences between the two groups with respect to mechanical axis values, patellar tilt, and lateral subluxation (p>0.05). Symptomatic patellar subluxation, dislocation, fracture or rupture of the extensor mechanism did not occur in any of the treatment groups. None of the patients required revision associated with the patella and patellar prosthesis. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that patellar resurfacing is not necessary other than patients with significant degeneration of the patellar surface.

Knee dislocations: an evaluation of surgical and conservative treatment.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the results of surgical or non-operative treatment of knee dislocations and the effect of associated soft tissue injuries on the planning of treatment. METHODS: The study included 12 patients (10 males, 2 females; mean age 34 years; range 17 to 75 years). Knee dislocations were caused by low-energy injuries in five patients, and by high-energy injuries in seven patients. All the knees were dislocated posteriorly. Three dislocations were open. Three patients had popliteal artery injuries and three patients had peroneal nerve injuries. Dislocations affecting the anterior and/or posterior cruciate ligaments were treated surgically (n=6), whereas the medial collateral ligament and lateral ligament injuries were treated non-operatively (n=6). The Lysholm scores and the range of motion of the knees were compared between surgically and conservatively treated groups. The mean follow-up period was 46 months (range 26 to 82 months). RESULTS: The mean range of motion of the knees (116 degrees versus 72 degrees ; p<0.01) and the mean Lysholm scores (84.6 versus 74; p<0.01) differed significantly between patients undergoing surgical and non-operative treatment. Chronic laxity occurred in two knees (one with surgical, one with conservative treatment). Arthrofibrosis developed in four patients (one with surgical, three with conservative treatment). There were no deep infections. Superficial infections occurred in two open dislocations. CONCLUSION: Knee dislocations should be regarded as significant limb-threatening injuries. Evaluation and immediate treatment of vascular insufficiency is of primary importance. Then, treatment depending on the presence and severity of ligamentous injuries is essential to provide a stable and functional extremity.