“Floating knee,” an Uncommon Injury: Analysis of 12 Cases^[*]

Abstract

Objective

Floating knee injuries are complex injuries and are usually caused by high-velocity trauma. These injuries are often associated with life treating injuries, which should take precedent over extremity injuries. The authors reviewed the outcomes of floating knee injuries managed in this institute from 2003 to 2015.

Method

A retrospective study was conducted of all patients with floating knee injuries from2003 to 2015. Twelve patients were included in the study. Data related to fracture type, associated injuries, treatment modalities, and complications were noted. Functional assessment was performed using the modified Karlstrom and Olerud criteria after complete bony union.

Result

The mechanism of injury was motor vehicle accident in all patients. The mean follow up was four years. The mean age of patients was 34.75 year. The mean union time was 6.5 months in femurs and 6.7 month in tibias. The complications were knee stiffness, delayed union, and infection. According to modified Karlstrom criteria, there were three – excellent, five – good, three – fair, and one poor result.

Conclusion

Floating knee injuries are severe injuries and are usually associated with multi-organ injuries. Early detection and appropriate management of associated injuries, early fixation of fractures, and postoperative rehabilitation are needed for good outcome. Complications are frequent, in the form of delayed union, knee stiffness, and infection.

Keywords

femoral fractures - tibial fractures - knee injuries - fracture fixation

^* Study conducted at Department of Orthopedics, P.D. Hinduja National Hospital, Mumbai, India. Published originally by Elsevier Editora Ltda. © 2018 Sociedade Brasileira de Ortopedia e Traumatologia.

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