Knee dislocation: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Knee dislocation is a joint condition in which the bones forming it occupy an incorrect position, but their integrity is not disturbed. The bones of the knee joint are connected with each other by ligaments (fibrous connective tissue).

A dislocation of the knee is a fairly common pathology with which traumatologists are found. The etiology of dislocations is associated with dystrophic and inflammatory processes in the joints. Also, dislocations occur due to impacts and falls. Dislocations of a traumatic nature occur most often and constitute about three percent of all damage to the skeleton.

In traumatology dislocations are divided into several groups: closed, open, fresh (not older than three days old), stale - up to three weeks, older - more than three weeks. Dislocation of the knee, which can not be removed by classical methods, is called irreparable. Irreversible dislocations are often accompanied by infringement in the joint of ligaments, tendons, and also the joint capsule. As a rule, dislocation in the block joints (ankle, knee, elbow) is always accompanied by rupture of ligaments. Sometimes there is a rupture of ligaments in places where they are attached to the bone, as well as hemorrhages in the joints and surrounding tissue.

Knee dislocation: clinical signs

A marker indicator in this situation is severe pain in the joint area. In some cases, the tactile sensitivity is lost below the knee. In the area of the affected joint, edema develops. As a rule, the pulse in the limb below the injury site is not probed. If such a symptom is found (knee deformity, severe swelling and pain, a feeling of coldness in the leg and numbness), it is necessary to consult a doctor. The list of laboratory and instrumental studies (arteriography, radiography, ultrasound, neurological research) depends on how your knee looks and how you feel.

Knee joint: treatment and care

Such damage requires in-patient treatment. It should be noted that almost all dislocations of the knee joint require surgical intervention, since damage to large arteries is recorded in 20-30%. Relieve pain and reduce swelling will help the ice attached to the injury site. The injured limb must be inspected by the doctor, if necessary he will correct the joint. If your joints are damaged, treatment should be adequate, and, importantly, effective. Conservative methods of treatment include the correction of the patella, the treatment of hemarthrosis and hematoma. Assign analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs.

To restore the functions of the knee joint, several methods are used: restoration of ligaments, immobilization, relocation (directing the dislocation, when the doctor returns the damaged joint in place). Almost always dislocation of the knee is accompanied by damage to the ligamentous apparatus, and sometimes bones in the knee joint zone are damaged. Often, restoration of knee functions requires surgery. After an injury, it is necessary to consult an orthopedic doctor.

The knee joint should be immovable, for some time you will have to walk on crutches. When walking, you can not rest on your foot. Immobilizer or tires are used to fix (immobilize) the knee joint. Immobilization protects the joint from excessive movements, which, in turn, promotes the rapid restoration of soft tissues. In the postoperative period, to restore muscle tone, you need to take a course of vitamin therapy, physiotherapy, therapeutic gymnastics and massage. The early rehabilitation period is carried out in a sparing regime and lasts about a month. Within four months after a knee injury, doctors recommend exercise gymnastics.