Knee Dislocations: Understanding the Injury and Treatment

April 19, 2023

Anatomy of the Knee Joint and Causes of Dislocation

The knee joint is one of the most important joints in the body, as it allows for a wide range of movement and is crucial for activities such as walking, running, and jumping. However, when the knee joint becomes dislocated, it can cause significant pain and mobility issues. In this article, we will take a closer look at the anatomy of the knee joint and the various causes of dislocation.

The Anatomy of the Knee Joint

The knee joint is a hinge joint that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). The knee joint is also supported by the patella (kneecap) and the fibula (the smaller bone in the lower leg). The knee joint is surrounded by a number of ligaments, tendons, and muscles that help to stabilize and move the joint. These include:

  • The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
  • The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
  • The medial collateral ligament (MCL)
  • The lateral collateral ligament (LCL)

The knee joint also contains a number of bursae (small fluid-filled sacs) that help to reduce friction between the bones and the surrounding soft tissue. The knee joint is also surrounded by a joint capsule, which contains synovial fluid that helps to lubricate the joint.

Causes of Knee Dislocation

A knee dislocation occurs when the bones of the knee joint are forced out of their normal alignment. This can happen as a result of a number of different factors, including:

  • Trauma: A knee dislocation can occur as a result of a traumatic injury, such as a car accident or a fall from a significant height.

  • Sports injuries: Athletes who participate in sports that involve a lot of contact or sudden changes in direction (such as football or soccer) are at a higher risk of knee dislocation.

  • Hyperflexion: Knee dislocations can also occur as a result of hyperflexion, which is when the knee joint is bent beyond its normal range of motion.

  • Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as ligamentous laxity (loose ligaments) or congenital dislocations, can increase the risk of knee dislocation.

In addition to these causes, knee dislocations can also be caused by underlying medical conditions, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Knee dislocations are a serious injury that can cause significant pain and mobility issues. Understanding the anatomy of the knee joint and the various causes of dislocation is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you have suffered a knee dislocation, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent further damage and to begin the process of recovery.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Knee Dislocation

A knee dislocation is a serious injury that can cause significant pain and mobility issues. Understanding the symptoms of a knee dislocation is crucial for early diagnosis and proper treatment. In this article, we will take a closer look at the symptoms of a knee dislocation and the diagnostic process.

Symptoms of a Knee Dislocation

The symptoms of a knee dislocation can vary depending on the severity of the injury. However, some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Severe pain: The knee joint may be in a significant amount of pain, making it difficult to walk or bear weight on the affected leg.

  • Swelling: Swelling may occur around the knee joint, which can cause the area to feel tight and uncomfortable.

  • Bruising: Bruising may appear around the knee joint, which can be a sign of internal bleeding.

  • Deformity: The knee may appear deformed, with the bones out of their normal alignment.

  • Numbness: The affected leg may feel numb or tingly.

  • Difficulty moving the knee joint: The knee joint may be difficult to move, or it may be completely immobile.

It’s important to note that not all people who experience knee dislocation will have all of these symptoms, and some might have different symptoms.

Diagnosis of a Knee Dislocation

A knee dislocation is typically diagnosed by a healthcare professional. The diagnostic process typically involves a physical examination and imaging tests.

  • Physical examination: The healthcare professional will examine the knee joint, looking for signs of swelling, bruising, and deformity. They will also assess the range of motion in the knee joint and check for any neurological symptoms.

  • Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scan, can help to confirm the diagnosis of a knee dislocation. These tests can also be used to identify any other injuries that may have occurred as a result of the dislocation, such as fractures or ligament tears.

  • Arthroscopy: An arthroscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a small camera to view the inside of the knee joint. This can be used to confirm the diagnosis of a knee dislocation and to identify any other injuries that may have occurred.

It’s important to note that knee dislocations can be complicated injuries, with different treatment options based on the specific circumstances of the injury. A proper diagnosis is essential for developing an appropriate treatment plan.

Knee dislocations are a serious injury that can cause significant pain and mobility issues. Understanding the symptoms of a knee dislocation and the diagnostic process is crucial for early diagnosis and proper treatment. If you suspect that you have suffered a knee dislocation, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent further damage and to begin the process of recovery.

Non-surgical Treatment Options for Knee Dislocation

A knee dislocation is a serious injury that can cause significant pain and mobility issues. In many cases, non-surgical treatment options can be effective in managing the symptoms of a knee dislocation and helping the knee joint to heal. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the non-surgical treatment options that are available for knee dislocations.

Rest and Immobilization

The first step in treating a knee dislocation is to rest and immobilize the knee joint. This helps to reduce inflammation and pain, and allows the joint to begin to heal. A knee brace or splint may be used to immobilize the joint, and crutches may be used to help with mobility.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process for knee dislocations. Physical therapy can help to improve range of motion, strength, and function of the knee joint. It can also help to reduce pain and inflammation. A physical therapist will work with the patient to develop an individualized treatment plan that may include exercises to improve strength, range of motion, and flexibility.

Medications

Medications can be used to help manage the symptoms of a knee dislocation. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, a healthcare professional may also prescribe a stronger medication to help manage pain.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a method of treatment that involves the application of cold therapy to reduce pain and inflammation. This can be done using ice packs or cold therapy machines. Cryotherapy can be helpful in reducing pain and inflammation associated with a knee dislocation.

Injection therapy

Injection therapy can be used to help manage the symptoms of a knee dislocation. Steroid injections can be used to reduce inflammation and pain. In some cases, a healthcare professional may also inject a lubricant into the knee joint to help improve mobility.

Knee dislocations are a serious injury that can cause significant pain and mobility issues. Non-surgical treatment options, such as rest and immobilization, physical therapy, medications, cryotherapy, and injection therapy, can be effective in managing the symptoms of a knee dislocation and helping the knee joint to heal. If you have suffered a knee dislocation, it is important to work with a healthcare professional to develop an appropriate treatment plan that will help you to recover as quickly and as fully as possible.

Surgical Intervention for Knee Dislocation

In some cases, a knee dislocation may require surgical intervention to repair the joint and restore function. Surgery can help to realign the bones of the knee joint, repair damaged ligaments and tendons, and stabilize the joint. In this article, we will take a closer look at the different surgical options that are available for knee dislocations.

Ligament Reconstruction

If the knee dislocation is accompanied by a torn ligament, such as the ACL or PCL, ligament reconstruction may be necessary. Ligament reconstruction is a surgical procedure in which the torn ligament is replaced with a graft. The graft is typically taken from the patient’s own body, such as the patellar tendon or the hamstring tendon.

Osteotomy

An osteotomy is a surgical procedure in which the bones of the knee joint are cut and re-aligned. This procedure is typically used to correct a deformity of the knee joint, such as a genu varum (bowlegged) or genu valgum (knock-kneed) deformity.

Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a small camera to view the inside of the knee joint. This procedure can be used to repair or remove damaged tissue, such as torn cartilage or damaged ligaments.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a surgical procedure in which the bones of the knee joint are manually realigned and then fixed in place with screws, plates, or rods. This procedure is typically used for severe dislocations or for dislocations that have not responded to non-surgical treatment options.

In some cases, a knee dislocation may require surgical intervention to repair the joint and restore function. Surgery can help to realign the bones of the knee joint, repair damaged ligaments and tendons, and stabilize the joint. If you have suffered a knee dislocation and are considering surgical options, it is important to work with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.

Rehabilitation and Recovery after Knee Dislocation

Recovering from a knee dislocation can take several weeks or months, and rehabilitation is an important part of the process. Rehabilitation helps to improve range of motion, strength, and function of the knee joint. It can also help to reduce pain and inflammation, and prevent future dislocations. In this article, we will take a closer look at the rehabilitation and recovery process for knee dislocations.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a crucial part of the rehabilitation process for knee dislocations. A physical therapist will work with the patient to develop an individualized treatment plan that may include exercises to improve strength, range of motion, and flexibility. Physical therapy can also help to reduce pain and inflammation, and prevent future dislocations.

Bracing and Immobilization

In some cases, a brace or splint may be used to immobilize the knee joint during the recovery process. This helps to reduce inflammation and pain, and allows the joint to begin to heal. The patient will be gradually weaned off the brace as the knee joint becomes stronger and more stable.

Medications

Medications can be used to help manage pain and inflammation during the recovery process. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, a healthcare professional may also prescribe a stronger medication to help manage pain.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a method of treatment that involves the application of cold therapy to reduce pain and inflammation. This can be done using ice packs or cold therapy machines. Cryotherapy can be helpful in reducing pain and inflammation associated with a knee dislocation during the recovery process.

Return to normal activities

It’s important to note that recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the surgical procedure performed. A healthcare professional will provide guidance on when it is safe to return to normal activities such as work, sports, and exercise. It’s important to listen to the healthcare professional’s guidance and not rush the recovery process as it may cause further damage and delay the recovery.

Recovering from a knee dislocation can take several weeks or months, and rehabilitation is an important part of the process. Rehabilitation helps to improve range of motion, strength, and function of the knee joint. It can also help to reduce pain and inflammation, and prevent future dislocations. If you have suffered a knee dislocation, it is important to work with a healthcare professional to develop an appropriate rehabilitation plan that will help you to recover as quickly and as fully as possible.

Sources & references used in this article: