ABSTRACT
This retrospective study evaluated outcome and associated complications in 48 patients
with 50 knee dislocations treated between 1968 and 1993. Average follow-up was 8.3
years. Thirty-one knees underwent operative treatment, and 19 knees underwent nonoperative
treatment. Open dislocations occurred in 26% of knees, and associated injuries occurred
in 58%. Peroneal nerve injuries occurred most frequently (36%), followed by popliteal
artery injuries (24%). Six knees treated nonoperatively required either above-knee
amputation (4) or knee arthrodesis (2). Mean Lysholm at follow-up was 80.2 and Hospital
for Special Surgery (HSS) score was 76.8. Differences in HSS score (P = .001), Lysholm score (P = .007), pain with rest, knee flexion, and return to athletics were statistically
significant between patients treated operatively and nonoperatively, with operative
patients scoring better. Patients treated surgically were less likely to develop severe
radiographic degenerative changes. These findings demonstrate patients treated operatively
for knee dislocations have better functional results.
